Here is how you can do Holi Puja at home this year

• Holi celebration in India lasts for two days including pujas, social gatherings, feasts and the spray of colours.
  
  
• The tradition of doing Holi Pujan at home is an ancient one in the country and is believed to bring good luck, health, wealth and prosperity into the family.
  
  
• Following the right Muhurat (auspicious time) prescribed by the Pundits is important to get the most out of Holi puja and rituals.
  

Holi celebrations are planned on two days around the Phagun Purnima (Full Moon day in March – April). In 2021, Holi is observed on 28th and 29th of March. Following Basant Panchami, Holi arrives as the festival of colours to mark the arrival of the spring season. After a harsh winter, people eagerly welcome the pleasant spring by staging the Holi celebrations that suggest the beginning of new life, nature at its best colours and a bountiful harvest. Holi puja can be done in every home as it follows a simple procedure inviting the participation of the entire family.

Holi Puja timings in 2021

Holika Dahan date: Sunday, March 28, 2021

Holi festival date: Monday, March 29, 2021

Holi celebrations overview

The first day of Holi (Sunday, 28 March 2021) is also known as Choti Holi when the popular ritual known as Holika Dahan is staged. On this day, people lit bonfires after the sunset governed by elaborate ritualistic procedures. People dance around the Holika to the tunes of folk songs.

The second day of Holi (Monday, 29 March 2021) is also known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulendi. This day starts with the people playing with soil, mud and wet colours. After exchanging the spray of colours, people take baths and eat the special dishes made for the event. Sweets and special dishes are shared among families and friends. Visiting the homes of dear ones is a popular tradition on the day of Holi. In the evening, people go for the second round of playing with colours. This time, dry colours known as Gulal are sprayed on people and everyone joins the dance on Holi folk songs.

Holika Dahan on Sunday, 28 March 2021

Holika Dahan ritual is centered on an interesting mythological story that depicts the triumph of good over evil. Once, the demon king named Hiranyakashipu had issued strict orders that none of his subjects must worship Lord Vishnu or even utter any of Vishnu’s names. However, he was taken aback when his little son Prahlad was seen constantly chanting the name of Vishnu. In utter dismay, the demon King ordered the death of his son which could not come through as the Lord protected the little boy from all dangers.

Finally, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika to carry Prahlad into fire so that the child could be burnt alive. Earlier, Holika had secured a boon that fire would not burn her. To everyone’s surprise, the fire burnt Holika and spared Prahlad due to his deep rooted devotion and virtuous nature. Holika Dahan ritual stages this mythological scene to depict the victory of good over evil.

People pile up woods and combustible materials creating Holika. After a puja involving the offering of water and special dishes, the Holika is set on fire and people go around it dancing to the tunes of folk songs. During their dances, people throw materials like sugar candies, nine types of cereals, raw mango, coconut and other sweets.

Holi puja procedure on Monday, 29 March 2021

The entire household takes a ritualistic bath in the morning and prepares the puja altar with the idols of Krishna and Radha. Gulal is applied on the feet of Radha Krishna. The puja involves offering sandal paste, incense sticks, earthen lamp and Tulsi to the gods and goddesses in the home puja room. Special dishes and sweets are offered to the deities. At the end of the puja, Gangajal is sprinkled on all the participants and all over the home. Sweets and dishes are shared among the family members and friends as Prasad.