Holi embodies a metaphorical victory for goodness as it festers color, happiness, and joy. Within the broader Holi festivities, India celebrates Dhulivandan of Holika Dahan in a unique way. Dhulivandan is celebrated on the day after Holika Dahan and is a ceremonial offering to dust (dhuli) and also signifies the right of spring for the commencement of new activities. The celebration of Dhulivandan on the 14th of March will unite communities in a colorful display of love, togetherness, and unity.
The Connection Between Dust and Colors
Dhulivandan possesses a deeper meaning in Indian culture as dust and color, and each has its separate portrayal; they both display life’s fragility and vibrancy. Dust epitomizes myriads of life, passion, spring, and the cycle of existence and is a sign of modesty. As for colors, they stand for the emotions, diversity, and joy that life brings. Combined, these two elements form a deeply spiritual yet wonderfully joyous festival.
The Mythological Foundation of Dhulivandan
The origins of Dhulivandan are intertwined with ancient Hindu Mythology. The festival is based on the legend of Prahlad, Holika and the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Lord Brahma granted Kiranyakashipu five extremely powerful boons after years of penance. These made the asura king appear to be invincible. These boons included but were not limited to:
- He could not be killed by a human or an animal.
- He could not be killed by any celestial or demonic entity.
- No weapon could harm him.
- He could not be killed inside or outside his palace.
- His death would not occur during the day or the night.
The roots of Dhulivandan are connected to ancient Hindu mythology. The celebration focuses on the legends of Prahlad, Holika, and the demon emperor (Aasurraj) Hiranyakashipu. Following years of penance, Lord Brahma bestowed Kiranyakashipu five exceedingly strong boons. One of the boons (Vardans) “he received was protection from human and animal attacks. Followed that he couldn’t be killed by any celestial (Devatas) or demonic (Daanavas) force. No weapon (Shastras) could hurt him. Neither his palace (house) nor its surroundings could kill him. His demise (death) wouldn’t happen during the day or night.” The aforementioned made the Asura ruler appear unstoppable.
Hiranyakashipu hence considered him eternal (ageless). With his self-proclaimed status as a god, he ensured that individuals offered their tribute to him. On the reverse side, Prahlad, his son, was faithful in his dedication to Lord Vishnu. He chants “Om Namo Narayana” with complete faith in his Lord Narayana (Vishnu). This angered Hiranyakashipu to no end, driving him to come up with many ways to kill Prahlad. Lord Vishnu’s miraculous intervention failed each of Hiranyakashipu’s attempts to murder Prahlad.
Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, was inaccessible to the fire according to her vardaan (boon). She intended to kill Prahalad by sitting on a burning structure alongside him, awaiting the flames to consume the devotee (Bhakt Prahalad). But Lord Vishnu rescued Prahalad from the fiery blazes, converting Holika to ash. People celebrate Holika Dahan on the day before Dhulivandan.
Following the disaster, Lord Vishnu came as Narasimha, a lion-human hybrid form, at dusk (sunset) from a pillar. He killed Hiranyakashipu in a way that violated all of his blessings: sitting at a palace entrance (he was neither inside nor outside), at dusk (it was neither day nor night), through his nails (without using a weapon), and while neither entirely animal nor human. This represented the end of negativity and the start of good. This remarkable achievement is likewise honored on Dhulivandan, with color, joy, and passion.
Significance of Dhulivandan During Treta Yuga
In Tretayuga, the festival of Dhulivandan gained popularity due to Ram Sita’s admiration and commitment. Holi was observed as well at Ayodhya, where Lord Rama and Mata Sita celebrated it with enormous enthusiasm, symbolizing the fondness and respect between the couple. The people of Ayodhya were said to have greeted them upon their arrival from exile (vanvaas) by performing with colors and inviting the spirit of Dhulivandan, who represents the completion of terrible times and the start of everything.
In contrast, according to one legend involving Hanuman, Lord Hanuman once painted all of the vernal colors (sindoor) on his body, believing this to be a promise of Lord Ram’s immortality (lambi-umar). This admirer of Lord Ram did so with wholehearted love, devotion, and respect. Lord Ram was impressed by Hanuman’s actions and said that they would forever be a symbol of passionate love and devotion. This tale is about the spirit of Dhulivandan, and the colors reflect faith and eternal love.
Rangbhari Holi: The Divine Celebration in Kashi
Rangbhari Holi is perhaps the most unique of the many traditions that are associated with Dhulivandan. Like many other festivals, it is celebrated in Varanasi (Kashi) and has its own set of fascinating customs. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to play Holi together in this city of Kashi. There is also a set of folklore that describes how Parvati and Shiva got married, after which they came to Kashi and received a warm welcome from devotees, who showered colors at his arrival. Baba Vishwanath ki Rangbhari Holi is a celebration that is eagerly awaited by all, where devotees color the idols of Shiva and Parvati, ushering in their holy marriage.
Folklore claims that celestial beings also attend the Rangbhari Holi celebration in Kashi. During the celebration, while witnessing devotees participating in the festivities by throwing colors, singing songs, and dancing for Shiv, the devotees receive divine bliss.
The Divine Love of Gauri-Shankar, Sita-Ram, and Radha-Krishna
Gauri-Shankar (Shiva and Parvati): The festival of Holi has strong underlying themes to the love of the two silhouettes. After their family celebration, a traditional or rather public, function, Lord Shiv, traditional, or rather, his traditional self, has to be forcefully asked by Goddess Parvati to put on color. This act signifies the end of the poise of the spiritual route and the beginning of harmony.
Holi Sita-Ram: Previous As previously mentioned, Ayodhya grandly commemorated Dhulivandan, symbolizing the triumph of affection, responsibility, and service. Ram Maharaj’s participation in Holi celebrations provided an enjoyable respite in their otherwise rigid lives, serving as a reminder to his followers to celebrate life’s joys while performing their duties.
Radha-Krishna: The Radha-Krishna account differs from the traditional view of Holi. One of the well-known legends relates to Radha and Krishna. Krishna, who loved to play tricks with his friends, used to celebrate Holi with Radha and the Gopis in Vrindavan. One time, he went to his mother Yashoda and said that he was very jealous of his friend Radha, for she was very good-looking while he was dark. Yashoda, with excellent humor, replied that he should smear color on Radha’s face, and from there stems the Holi celebration where love knows no color or form.
The Continuation of Dhulivandan from Satyuga to Kaliyuga
The essence of Dhulivandan as we know it today, even in the Kaliyuga, has taken root across all the ages. It is cherished for the joy, unity and devotion it spreads around. The event that led to the birth of the festival was Prahlad’s victory over Hiranyakashipu, further expanding the joy-filled celebrations during Treta Yuga with Lord Ram and Mata Sita. During Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna added a layer of playfulness to the festival by splashing colors over the Gopis, making it truly entertaining. Even now in Kaliyuga, people come together to celebrate the fest, symbolizing the love bonds we share that transcend social barriers.
How Devtas Celebrate Dhulivandan
According to Hindu texts, Devatas like Indra and others celebrate the occasion of Holi along with Dhulivandan. According to the Puranas, it is known that many of these celebrations took place in Indralok, complete with flowers, fragrant powders, and grandma-style music.The explosions of colours, which people can observe on this planet, are just a preview of the grand revelries witnessed in heaven, where they come together to rejoice in the triumph of dharma over adharma.
How Dhulivandan is Celebrated
Dhulivandan is observed with immense enthusiasm across different regions of India. While customs vary, the core essence remains the same—spreading joy, love, and vibrancy through colors. Smearing of Colors and Dust, on this day, people apply colors (gulal) to each other as a gesture of friendship and harmony. The practice of applying dhuli (dust) before colors symbolizes humility and the acceptance of life’s impermanence. Puja and Rituals include devotees wake up early and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for happiness and prosperity. Special pujas are conducted to honor Prahlad’s devotion and the triumph of righteousness. Community Gatherings include people come together in open spaces to dance, sing, and celebrate. Traditional folk music and Holi songs fill the air as friends and families unite in merriment. Festive Foods including sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai are prepared and shared, adding to the festive cheer.
Lathmar Holi in Barsana: A Festival of Colours, Love, Respect, and Equality
Best Places to Celebrate Dhulivandan
People all over India celebrate Dhulivandan, but in some select places it is uniquely highlighted due to the particular nature and cultural importance of the region:
- Mathura and Vrindavan – The land of Krishna celebrates Holi with unmatched enthusiasm. The temples here host week-long festivities, culminating in Dhulivandan.
- Barsana and Nandgaon – Famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks, adding a unique touch to the celebrations.
- Varanasi (Kashi) – The sacred city hosts Rangbhari Holi, making it an unparalleled experience for devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Jaipur and Udaipur – These cities bring a royal touch to Holi with their cultural programs, elephant processions, and grand feasts.
Dhulivandan is not just a festival; it is holistic in nature. It is a time to engulf yourself in love and compassion while removing negativity from your life. Be it Mathura, Kashi or your very own house, the spirit of Holi shall always remain the same… love, joy, and devotion. For Dhulivandan 2025, let us remember the vibrant colors and the dust of love as well as the effect of good prevailing over evil.
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