Rang Panchami 2024: Why is it celebrated five days after Holi?

Pic/PTI

Rang Panchami, also known as Rangapanchami or Shimga, is a vibrant festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Gujarat. Falling five days after Holi, Rang Panchami holds significant cultural and social importance, marking the culmination of the colourful festivities associated with the spring season.

Rang Panchami 2024: Date

This year Rang Panchami will be celebrated on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Rang Panchami 2024: Time

Panchami Tithi Begins - 08:20 PM on Mar 29, 2024
Panchami Tithi Ends - 09:13 PM on Mar 30, 2024

Rang Panchami 2024: Origins and Significance

The roots of Rang Panchami can be traced back to ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. It is believed that the festival originated as a regional variation of Holi, adapted to local customs and practices. The term "Rang Panchami" itself translates to "colour" (rang) and "fifth" (Panchami), symbolizing the fifth day of the lunar month of Phalgun.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna, the mischievous deity often associated with playful celebrations, introduced the tradition of applying colours to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The festival also commemorates the divine love between Radha and Krishna, with devotees immersing themselves in the joyous spirit of the occasion.

Rang Panchami 2024: Celebrations and Rituals

The festivities of Rang Panchami are characterised by exuberant displays of colours, music, dance, and communal feasting. People of all ages come together to revel in the jubilant atmosphere, forgetting social barriers and embracing the spirit of unity and brotherhood.

Preparations for Rang Panchami typically begin days in advance, with streets and homes adorned with vibrant decorations. On the day of the festival, revellers gather in public squares and open spaces, armed with an array of coloured powders (gulal) and water balloons, ready to drench each other in hues of red, blue, green, and yellow.

The air resonates with the sounds of traditional folk songs and rhythmic beats of dhol and tasha drums, adding to the festive fervour. People dance joyously, smearing each other with colours as a symbol of spreading happiness and goodwill.

Apart from the playful splashing of colours, Rang Panchami also holds religious significance for many communities. Devotees visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. It is also customary to distribute sweets and savouries among friends, family, and neighbours, fostering bonds of camaraderie and kinship.

Rang Panchami 2024: Social Harmony and Unity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rang Panchami is its ability to transcend social barriers and bring people from diverse backgrounds together. Regardless of caste, creed, or status, everyone partakes in the festivities with equal enthusiasm, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity.

The festival serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of joy, laughter, and togetherness in the fabric of society. It reinforces the age-old Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to "the world is one family," emphasising the interconnectedness of all beings.