Holi – Dola Purnima in Odisha 2023 – Date, Details and Celebrations

Holi which is also celebrated as Dola Purnima in Odisha is the festival of colors, and one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. Dola Purnima in Odisha 2023 will be celebrated on 7th March 2023 and Holi festival in Odisha will be celebrated on 8th March 2023.

Holi and Dola Purnima is a time for people to come together and revel in the spirit of love, unity, and goodwill. Holi is a festival that transcends all cultural, religious, and societal boundaries and brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds.

The festival of Dola Purnima in Odisha (Holi) is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. It is a two-day celebration, with the first day known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan and the second as Rangwali Holi or Dulhendi.

Holi – Dola Purnima in Odisha 2023 Date

The Holi Festival and Dola Purnima in Odisha 2023 date:

It’s a school holiday and a Bank holiday in Odisha state in 2023 for both Holid and Dola Purnima.

History of Holi and Dola Purnima Festival

Many people will not know that there is a history of Holi: Once upon a time, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashyap who was so arrogant that he demanded everyone in his kingdom worship only him. But his son, Prahlad, became a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father.

Hiranyakashyap tried multiple methods to kill Prahlad, but Lord Vishnu always protected him. In the end, Hiranyakashyap asked his sister, Holika, to sit with Prahlad on her lap in a blazing fire.

Hiranyakashyap believed that Holika had a blessing that would allow her to remain unscathed in the fire. However, Holika was unaware that the blessing would only work if she entered the fire alone.

As Prahlad continuously chanted the name of Lord Vishnu, he emerged from the fire unscathed, as the Lord blessed him with his unwavering devotion. Meanwhile, Holika, who had evil intentions, paid the price for her desires with her life.

Therefore, the festival of Holi takes its name from Holika and is celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

How is Holi Celebrated across India?

On the first day of Dola Purnima (Holi), folks light bonfires in their communities to symbolize the defeat of evil and the triumph of good. It’s said that the bonfire represents the burning of the demon king Holika, who attempted to harm the devotee Prahlad. People sing, dance, and offer prayers for good health, prosperity, and happiness around the bonfire.

But the real fun begins on the second day of Dola Purnima (Holi). People take to the streets with colored powders, eager to douse each other in a celebration of color and love. Laughter, music, and revelry fill the air as friends and strangers paint each other in a burst of colors. Hugs and well wishes are shared as the sweet fragrance of treats fills the atmosphere, adding to the joyous vibe.

Dola Purnima (Holi) is a time for families to come together and bond over a meal, forgetting old grudges and forgiving each other. It’s a time for renewal and for people to come together and celebrate unity and love.

Holi is also a time for families to come together and share a meal, strengthen bonds, and forget old grudges. It is a time for forgiveness and renewal, and for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and love.

How is Dola Purnima (Holi) Festival Celebrated in Odisha?

Dola Purnima in Odisha is a lively and cheerful festival celebrated in the state of Odisha, India. The start of spring is marked by this festival and the people of Odisha celebrate it with great excitement and happiness. The festival takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually in February or March.

Lord Jagannath, considered the king of the universe, is worshipped during this festival. On Dola Purnima, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, are taken out in a procession known as Dola Yatra or Dol Jatra. During this procession, the idols are placed on beautifully decorated chariots and paraded through the streets of Puri. This festival is a symbol of love, unity, and peace and is celebrated by people from all walks of life.

The Dol dance is one of the most remarkable parts of the Dola Purnima festival. It is a traditional dance performed by young women dressed in colourful traditional attire. The women sing devotional songs and perform a lovely dance in front of the deities, expressing their love and devotion to the Lord.

In addition to the procession and the Dola dance also known as the Dol dance, the festival also includes other cultural programs such as plays, songs, and dances. People also decorate their homes and streets with flowers and lights, adding to the already colorful and joyful atmosphere.

Dola Purnima is an important event for the people of Odisha and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It not only showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage but also brings people together, fostering unity, love, and peace.

Dola Jatra (Dol Jatra) Festival

During Dola Jatra in Odisha, the idol of Lord Krishna is taken from house to house in the village on a beautifully decorated palanquin, accompanied by a procession of Sankirtan Mandali, drummers, singers, and musicians.

Each household in the village offers a special offering, called Bhog, to Lord Krishna. The people who follow the procession throw dry colors, known as Abira, as a sign of celebration. The Dola Jatra is celebrated for six days which reaches its peak on the day of Dola Purnima.

The final day of the Purnima is a celebration of swinging the deities, marking the end of the festival with a grand finale.

Know about celebrations at Shri Jagannath Puri temple: Check here

FAQs on Dola Purnima Festival in Odisha