Phalguna Purnima is the full moon day (Purnima) that falls in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, which typically corresponds to February-March in the Gregorian calendar. This day holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism, particularly due to its association with various festivals and observances.
“Purnima” (Puranmashi) is a Sanskrit term meaning “fullmoon.” In Hinduism and several other Indian religions and cultures, Purnima holds significant spiritual and religious significance. It occurs on the fifteenth day (Purnima Tithi) of the lunar month in the Hindu calendar, typically every month. Phalguna Purnima is one of the twelve Purnima or Pooranmashi occurring in a year.
Phalguna Purnima is widely celebrated as the festival of Holi, one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals in Hindu culture. Holi marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People celebrate by smearing each other with colored powders (gulal) and spraying colored water, singing and dancing, and enjoying festive foods and sweets. The night before Holi is celebrated with bonfires known as Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over wickedness.
The eve of Phalguna Purnima is celebrated as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. It commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika from Hindu mythology. Bonfires are lit in communities to symbolize the burning of the demoness Holika, who tried to kill Prahlad but was ultimately destroyed by her own actions, while Prahlad was saved by his devotion to Lord Vishnu.
In some regions of India, Phalguna Purnima is also celebrated as Dola Purnima, dedicated to Lord Krushna and Radha. Images of the divine couple are placed on a decorated palanquin (dola) and taken out in a procession amidst singing and dancing. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Phalguna Purnima is associated with several mythological narratives and legends that add depth and significance to the observance of this auspicious day:
- The Legend of Prahlad and Holika: One of the most famous stories associated with Phalguna Purnima is the tale of Prahlad and Holika from Hindu mythology. Prahlad was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu, while his father, Hiranyakashipu, was a tyrannical demon king who despised Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, had a boon that made her immune to fire. When Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill Prahlad for his devotion to Vishnu, he ordered Holika to sit in a blazing fire with Prahlad on her lap. However, due to her evil intentions, Holika’s boon failed, and she perished in the flames while Prahlad remained unharmed, protected by his unwavering faith. This event is commemorated during Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- Dola Purnima and Radha-Krishna Leela: In some regions, Phalguna Purnima is celebrated as Dola Purnima, dedicated to the divine love of Radha and Krushna. According to mythology, on this day, Radha and Krushna would engage in playful pastimes (leela) amidst the colorful blossoms of spring. Devotees celebrate by decorating swings (dolas) and images of Radha and Krushna, and they participate in joyful processions and singing to commemorate the divine love between the two.
- The Legend of Kamadev’s Revival: In Hindu mythology, Phalguna Purnima is also associated with the legend of Kamadev’s revival. Kamadev, the god of love, was incinerated by Lord Shiv’s third eye due to a divine command. His wife, Rati, pleaded with Lord Shiv to restore him, and eventually, on the auspicious day of Phalguna Purnima, Kamadev was revived, symbolizing the rejuvenation and renewal of love and life with the arrival of spring.
These mythological narratives add depth and richness to the celebration of Phalguna Purnima, emphasizing themes of devotion, love, victory of good over evil, and the renewal of life and nature. Devotees commemorate these stories through various rituals, festivals, and observances, reflecting on their spiritual and cultural significance.
Overall, Phalguna Purnima is a day of celebration, joy, and spiritual significance, marked by various festivals and rituals that bring communities together in devotion, merriment, and reflection.
