In India, the typical celebration of Holi lasts for two days although preparations can start weeks in advance. The main events of the celebration are the Holika Dahan (burning of the demon Holika on a bonfire to celebrate the victory of good over evil) and the color fight.
Holi 2024 is on Monday, March 25th in India. March 24th (full moon night) is the time for Holika Dahan. The Holika Dahan muhurat (the auspicious time) is from 07:19 PM to 09:38 PM on March 24th. March 25th is the day of the color fights, when the whole country head to the streets to celebrate.
Holi's date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year. It is typically observed in March of the Gregorian Calendar, occasionally in late February.
It is observed on the last full moon day or Purnima of the month of Falgun, 12th Hindu calendar month. The Holi purnima tithi ('full moon lunar day') in 2024 is from 12:24 AM on March 24th to 02:59 AM on March 25th.
The Holashtak is from March 18th to March 24th, a period of 8 days before Holi. It is considered inauspicious for big things like buying a house, getting married, or starting a business.
Is Holi Festival a Public Holiday?
Holi is an important holiday in India and most states give residents a public holiday on the day of the color fight (March 25th in 2024).
Only seven states do not have a public holiday on this day: Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. These states do not have a public holiday for Holi because the festival is either celebrated differently or not at all in these areas.
Read more about Indian public holidays. >>
What Our Customers Said
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
![]() |
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
![]() |
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
![]() |
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
![]() |
Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
![]() |
Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
![]() |
Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
![]() |
Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
![]() |
Holi Kab Hai 2024: Stories Behind Holi and 2-Day Typical Celebrations
March 24th, 2024 Choti Holi/Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan comes from the legend of Prahlad and the Demoness Holika (who is the namesake of the festival, Holi being derived from the name Holika).
Legend says that through penance the demon king Hiranyakashipu was granted five magical powers of protection, which he believed would combine to make him immortal. Holding firm in this belief, he forced his subjects to worship him as a god. However, his son Prahlad refused to do so and instead stayed true to his adoration of the genuine god Vishnu. Acting out of spite, Hiranyakashipu attempted many times to kill his son but was always bested by Vishnu.
During one of these such attempts, Hiranyakashipu conspired with his demoness sister Holika and developed a plan to kill Prahlad. Holika tried to trick Prahlada into burning to death on a pyre, but because her intentions were evil, she was the one who was burned and killed at the full moon night.
The rituals of Holika Dahan start only when the full moon is visible in the evening. The auspicious time (muhurat) lasts 2 hour and 20 minutes from 07:19 PM to 09:38 PM on March 24th. Burning a Holika effigy at any other time is believed to result in bad luck. The building of the pyre for the Holika fire can start weeks in advance, however.
Read more about Holika Dahan Puja Samagri (Ritual Materials List) and Vidhi (Worship Method) >>>
March 25th, 2024 Dhuleti Holi/Rangwali Holi/Color Fights
In the morning of March 25th, the ashes of the Holika bonfires are collected, because they are considered to be very auspicious.
The color fights are continued throughout the day. Throwing colorful powders and waters in Holi is a symbol of love to the gods, family and friends regardless of age, caste and gender. People head to temples and streets armed with colored powders, water balloons, and water guns to join in the giant color fights. On this day, the whole country will be engaged in the joy of colors.
5 Main Legends and Stories of Holi >>>
What Colors to Use for the Color Flights? >>>
Holi vs Diwali >>>
Holi Dates for 2024 to 2030
Included in the table are only the dates of Holi, the second day of celebrating when the color fight takes place. Holika Dahan will occur the day before the dates listed.
Festival | Holi Date | Day |
---|---|---|
Holi 2024 | March 25th | Monday |
Holi 2025 | March 14th | Saturday |
Holi 2026 | March 4th | Wednesday |
Holi 2027 | March 23rd | Tuesday |
Holi 2028 | March 12th | Sunday |
Holi 2029 | March 1st | Thursday |
Holi 2030 | March 20th | Wednesday |
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.