Holi
OdiaAlso known as: Dola Purnima, Festival of Colours
Holi
About Holi
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in Odisha as Dola Purnima on the full moon day of Falgun month (March). It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
In Odisha, the celebration begins the previous evening with Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning of demoness Holika. The next morning, people play with colours, water guns, and water balloons.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. The Jagannath Temple holds special celebrations, and the deities are taken out in a procession (Dol Yatra) on a palanquin.
Traditional drinks like thandai and traditional sweets are shared among friends and family. The festival dissolves social barriers and brings people together in joyous celebration.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe fasting on Holika Dahan and break it the next morning.
- Observe a light fast on Holika Dahan evening.
- Participate in the Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony.
- The next morning, take a ritual bath before playing with colours.
- Play with colours and share sweets.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the Holika Dahan ceremony with prasad.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Gather materials and build the Holika Dahan bonfire.
- Light the fire and offer prayers for destruction of evil.
- The next morning, take a ritual bath and apply colours.
- Play with colours and share traditional sweets.
- Visit friends and family in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dola Purnima is the Odia name for Holi. The Jagannath deities are taken in procession on a palanquin, making it unique to Odisha.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.