Dhuleti 2019

Gujarati colour festival celebrated the day after Holika Dahan.

Dhuleti is Gujarat's festival of colours celebrated after Holika Dahan. The preceding bonfire recalls the traditional story of Prahlada, whose devotion to Vishnu survives the efforts of his father Hiranyakashipu to destroy his faith. Holika takes Prahlada into the fire, believing she will remain protected, but the devotional story ends with Prahlada safe and Holika defeated. The fire observance belongs to Holi night; Dhuleti is the joyful gathering that follows, not another burning of Holika.

Another important strand of the colour festival comes from Braj. Krishna grows up among the cowherds, playing with his companions, and Radha–Krishna traditions describe affectionate springtime colour play. In different communities, songs, coloured powders and playful visits express the season's vitality. These accounts are devotional associations with the larger Holi celebration; they should not be forced into a single historical explanation of when modern colour festivities began.

On Dhuleti, families, friends and neighbours exchange greetings, share food and play with colours. Gujarat commonly distinguishes Holi, the bonfire, from Dhuleti, the following colour day. Elsewhere the latter may be called Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi; Rang Panchami is a separate later observance in some areas. Safe, skin-friendly colours, consent and respect for people who do not wish to participate are essential. The correct local date depends on the observed Holika Dahan rather than simply adding a day to an unverified sunrise rule.

Dhuleti follows Holika Dahan and celebrates renewal, friendship and spring through respectful colour play.

Families play with skin-safe colours, share food and music, and respect everyone's consent.

Called Dhuleti in Gujarat; elsewhere Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi. Distinct from Rang Panchami, celebrated later in some areas.