What is the reason for celebrating Holi?

Holy, the festivals of vivid and splashing colors, painting the entire city with shades of happiness, of exultation, verve, and the zest that accompanies the spirit of Holi. People, Young and old, men or women, rich or poor, participate in the pomp and splendor that breathes a new life into the haggard souls, fatigued by the daily grind. It is a very popular festival that is celebrated amongst the pan-Indian population. Believed to be the day that resolves all personal differences, the Holi is when people splash colors, exchange delicacies, and even participate in musical festivals that are the hallmarks of this period.

What is the mythological background behind Holi?

Holi originates from the word Holika, which is the name of a demoness sister of king Hiranyakashipu. A pyre of Holika is lit on the day the next day of which Holi comes alive with water Gulaal spraying and delicacies served on platters.

The legendary Vishnu devotee, Prahalad, was tortured by his own father, hiranyakashipu, and his aunt Holika. This plan fizzled out as Prahalad had the divine parasol of Lord Shrihari on his head, protecting him from all the ills that were caused by the demon duo. This day, when the tormentor Hiranyakashipu and his sister Holika were subdued by the divine powers of Lord Srihari, is celebrated as Holi all over the nation. This is just a way of celebrating the grace of the lord, our indomitable faith in his powers, the victory of the righteous over the wicked, and the triumph of faith over atheism. 

There is another angle to the Holika festival that the Puranas provide. Lord Shiva, during his penance, was disturbed by the rays of Kama, the cupid, who came there with an intention to deviate Lord Shiva’s focus from penance to Parvathi. So Holi was the day Kamadeva had tried this trick on Lord Shiva because of which Shiva opened the yogic third eye to burn him. On this day, Shiva devotees celebrate it by offering their favorite items to fire to get away with their mortal urges. Holashtak is observed for eight whole days. From this period onwards the Holika Dahan has turned into practice and on the Holi day, people do not begin new projects tasks or celebrate auspicious ceremonies. This day also has another fable that days Lord Krishna sent them through the mortal realm to swarga. People play with gulaal on this day to mark this happy occasion. A widespread belief, which many devotees of Lord Hanuman cherish is that Hanuman can be appeased by offering rice with ghee and Kumkum to end troubles and all ills from the devotee’s life.

What is the astrological significance of Holi?

Holi has astrological significance and connotations as well. Vedic Astrology reveals that on Holi, Sun and the moon appear diagonally opposite each other in the sky. This is auspicious especially because the moon would be transiting over Leo and Virgo signs; the sun moves over to Pisces and Aquarius, while the Rahu cruises into Sagittarius. This day is a sought-after day for the Vastu experts who perform Vastu puja for home and even vehicles to attract positive vibrations and good health from the universe. Mars Venus and Saturn Conjunction in Capricorn on the Holi Day. Mercury and Jupiter moving over to the Aquarius sign are auspicious for pursuing advanced education. Intellectuals and businesspeople are especially benefitted from this configuration. Kite flying is a much-followed ritual, on this day and it speaks volumes for their firm adherence to the Indian culture. 

What rituals are practiced during the Holi festival?

People practice some rituals on this day for which they gather all the required wood, cow dung, mala, and other needed items days before the Holi begins and then using these articles, light fire to the pyre of the Holika that is replete with all the connected rituals. The effigy of Holika is placed on the pyre and the pyre is lit. 

Why is Holi celebrated? 

Holi Puja is celebrated to avert the evil caused due to the malefic planetary configuration in the chart. This is the night when any spell can easily get activated. Any god or goddess can be appeased with pujas on this day. Vashi Karan practices are originally done on this night. Some rituals that help attract wealth are also performed on this day. People who are victims of black magic can find relief by doing Holika rituals. 

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What is the right time for Holika Dahan?

The right time for Holika Dahan is supposed to be on 17th March 2022, the Holi on 18th march. Holika Dahan Muhurta will begin at 09:03 PM to 10:13 PM. According to Hindu scriptures, the right time for Holika Dahan is during the Pradosha period after dusk, while Purnima tithi has still not waned. This period is inauspicious for performing any good ritual or starting any new venture or celebrating any ceremony. Choosing the right muhurta for the Dahan is important as any wrong choice of time would bring on misfortune. 

How important is Holika Dahan? 

The effects of Holika Dahan extend to all areas of your life, from warding off the evil eye to getting your past lover back, removing hurdles in the relationship to getting a good job. It is the night of Poornima that saves its devotees from several ills and annoyances. Holika Dahan is very important and relevant to Indian life. The positions of Jupiter and Mars will augur well for spiritual sadhana that accord power and wealth. Saturn, being seated in a good position, also impacts favorably. Sun and mercury form Budhaditya Yoga. Avoid conflicts this night.

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