Festival guide 4956
Holi
Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil — the burning of demoness Holika and the devotion of Prahlad. The next day, Rangwali Holi, is the festival of colors celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna.
When to read
Thursday, 29 April 4956 – Friday, 30 April 4956
Central timing
Holika Dahan Muhurat
Festival length
2 days of observance
Coming next
1070008 days until the observance begins.
Start with the story
Understand the observance before you open the schedule
Holi unfolds over 2 days, so the story matters as much as the clock.
Observed on
Thursday, 29 April 4956
Primary window
Holika Dahan Muhurat
Festival length
2 days of observance
Holika Dahan
The bonfire night commemorating the burning of Holika. Light the pyre during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset). Perform parikrama and offer coconut, grains, and sweets to the fire.
Rangwali Holi
The festival of colors. Play with gulal, abeer, and water colors. Celebrate the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Community gatherings with music and dance.
Festival Significance
Why this observance stays alive in memory
Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil — the burning of demoness Holika and the devotion of Prahlad. The next day, Rangwali Holi, is the festival of colors celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna.
Ritual path
Rituals
Day 1 (Holika Dahan): Light the bonfire during Pradosh Kaal after sunset. Perform parikrama. Day 2 (Rangwali Holi): Play with colors and water, eat gujiya and thandai, dance to folk music.
How to approach it
Festival rhythm
Read the timing first, then the central ritual, then the local context to understand how the observance feels on the ground.
In Varanasi
Where the city adds its own colour
Varanasi's Holi is legendary. The celebration starts a week early with Rang Bhari Ekadashi at Kashi Vishwanath. Holika Dahan bonfires are lit at every ghat. The next day, the entire city erupts in colors, with special celebrations at Manikarnika and Assi Ghats. Thandai with bhang is the signature drink.
