Holi 2019 Date: When is Holi in 2019?

SIGNIFICANCE

On the eve of Holi,a large bonfire, termed as holika dahan, is lit. People gather around the fire known as Chhoti Holi and perform ‘pingpuja’ while praying for the longevity and prosperity of their loved ones.

On the second day of celebrations known as Rangpanchami, people play with colours. It is believed that Krishna used to celebrate the festival with colours at Vrindavan and Gokul.

At some places, people also form a human pyramid and break a pot full of buttermilk hung at a considerable height.

HISTORY

One of the most popular legends is the story of Hiranyakashyap who was a demon king and wanted to be immortal. While he wanted everyone to worship him as god, his son Prahlada was a devotee of Vishnu and this used to offend him. Once he asked his sister, who had a divine shawl that could not catch fire, to sit on raging flames with Prahlad in her lap. But Lord Vishnu, impressed by Prahlad’s devotion, killed both Hiranyakashyap and his sister.

Another legend of Holi celebrations that is extremely popular in south India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. It is believed Kaamadeva, the god of passion, awoke Shiva from his deep meditation so he could save the world.