Spiritual significance of Holi

1. Introduction

Holi is celebrated from the full moon day (pournima) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun until the fifth day (panchami). Depending on regional variations it is celebrated from two to five days.
It has various names such as Hori, Dolayatra in North India, Shimga, Holi and Hutashani mahotsav, Holikadahan (burning of Holika) in Goa, Konkan and Maharashora, and Kamadahan (burning of desires) in South India. It is also called as Vasantotsav or Vasantagamanotsav that is the festival celebrated to welcome the spring (Vasant) season.

2. History of Holi

The Hindu holy text Bhavishya Purana narrates a story in context of this festival as follows - A demoness invaded a village and started harassing little children. Hence the people obscenely abused and cursed her, they lit fires everywhere to frighten her and drove her away.
Also the origin of the traditional lighting of Holi is attributed by some to the burning of demonesses like Holika, Holaka and Putana who troubled little children

3. Tradition of Holi

Seeing the form of the Holi festival as prevalent today one realises that this festival is basically celebrated at a social level. Though over the passage of time a number of religious and cultural rites and rituals have been included in it by more civilised people, yet the social form of this festival has still remained intact. Holikotsav, Dhulikotsav and Rangotsav are the three festivals which stand out easily. Holi, Dhulvag and Rang Panchami are their popular names.

Dhoolivandan also known as Dhulvad, is celebrated on the first day (pratipada) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun. On this day either the ashes of Holi or dust is worshipped. Lord Vishnu performed Dhoolivandan at the beginning of Tretayuga. The implied meaning is, Lord Vishnu began His 'work' through the incarnation of various radiant colours.
The Dhoolivandan is a worship of the destroyer (marak) form of the Deities

5. Significance of Rang Panchami*

It is celebrated on the fifth day (panchami) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun by throwing a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and splashing coloured water, etc. on others.
The fire, which shines with its brilliance on Holi, decomposes the Raja-Tama particles in the atmosphere and this helps activate various deities in the form of colours. This Bliss is celebrated by throwing colours in the air.
Thus, Rang Panchami is a symbol of victory over Raja-Tama. It involves invocation of Gods and is a part of worship of the manifest form of Gods. Its purpose is to activate the five elements of radiant manifest colours and to touch and feel the Deities who are attracted to the respective colours. These five elements are a source, which help activate the element of the Deities according to the spiritual emotion (bhav) of the embodied soul (jiva).
Rang Panchami is the worship of the saviour (tarak) form of the Deities.

* Based on Divine Knowledge received by some seekers doing sadhana per Gurukrupayoga.
  To know more about this Divine Knowledge please visit the about us section of this website.

(Ref. : Sanatan's Publication : Holy Festivals, Religious Festivals and Vowed Religious Observances
Compilers : H.H. Dr. Jayant Athavale and Dr. (Mrs) Kunda Athavale)

Courtesy: Monthly Sanatan Prabhat

Related Links

Holi - a spiritual celebration

Malpractices in the festival of Holi