Holi 2025: When will Holika Dahan and Dhulendi be celebrated, March 13 or 14? Check date, timings and rituals

Holi, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, will take place over two days in 2025. Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, will be observed on Thursday, March 13, while Rangwali Holi, the day of colour festivities, will be celebrated on Friday, March 14.

Holi 2025 Dates: When is Holika Dahan and Dhulendi?

The festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls in the month of Phalguna. Many were unsure whether Holi in 2025 would be observed on March 14 or March 15, but according to Drikpanchang, the Purnima Tithi (full moon) will begin at 6:05 AM on March 13 and end at 7:53 AM on March 14, making these the designated dates for Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi, respectively.

Holi’ 2025: Significance and Traditions

Holi is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology and is associated with the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from his aunt Holika’s attempt to harm him. The ritual of Holika Dahan symbolizes this event, where a bonfire is lit to signify the burning of evil forces.


Apart from its religious significance, Holi is known for promoting social harmony. The festival is a time when people set aside differences, repair strained relationships, and come together to celebrate with friends, family, and even strangers.

Holi Celebrations

Holi festivities are known for their vibrant colours, music, and dance. People take to the streets, smearing each other with coloured powders (gulal) and drenching one another with water. Public celebrations are common in parks, open spaces, and community centers, where people gather to enjoy the festival’s joyous spirit.

The day is also marked by cultural performances, traditional folk songs, and lively processions. Many regions in India have their unique ways of celebrating. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated over several days with grand events such as Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks as part of the festivities.

Holi Festive Food and Drinks

Holi is also a festival of feasting, with traditional sweets and drinks playing an essential role. Gujiyas, a deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and dry fruits, are among the most popular Holi delicacies. Other festive treats include malpua (a deep-fried pancake), puran poli (a sweet stuffed flatbread), and dahi bhalla (fried lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt).

Thandai, a milk-based drink infused with nuts, spices, and sometimes bhang (cannabis paste), is commonly consumed during Holi. The drink is an integral part of the celebrations in many parts of North India.

Holi’s Global AppealBeyond India, Holi is celebrated in various countries with large Indian communities, including Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The festival has gained global popularity, with Holi-themed events and colour festivals being organized in several cities worldwide.

Holi continues to be one of the most cherished festivals, bringing people together in a spirit of unity, joy, and cultural celebration.