Holi is a beloved festival for Hindus across the world, and the festivities do not stop in some regions just after the day of Holi. They are extended to 5 more days, and end with Rang Panchami, where devotees play Holi all over again, with flowers and colours, with friends and the Gods.
Celebrated five days after Holi, Rang Panchami is celebrated in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and some regions of North India.
When is Rang Panchami in 2025?
Evident in the name, Rang Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day, or Panchami tithi after the day of Holi. In 2025, Rang Panchami will be played on Wednesday, March 19, as Holi was on March 14.
As per Drik Panchang, “Ranga Panchami on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Panchami Tithi Begins – 10:09 PM on Mar 18, 2025
Panchami Tithi Ends – 12:36 AM on Mar 20, 2025”
Why is Rang Panchami celebrated?
In the past few decades, Rang Panchami has become an important part of festivities post-Holi. And while the celebration is limited to some regions, there is a certain charm in playing Holi all over again, with the Gods and loved ones. It is believed that playing with colours on this day purifies the atmosphere by invoking divine energies.
According to popular lore, people play Rang Panchami as a mirror of how Lord Krishna played Holi in Vrindavan with Radha Rani, the Gopis, his brother and sister, and the people of Vrindavan.
Rituals of Rang Panchami
Rang Panchami is celebrated with a mix of devotion and festivity. Just like Holi, people apply colours and Gulaal to each other, the temples and streets are covered with flowers, decorations, and water balloons, and in some places large processions are also carried out, featuring music, folk dances, and drummers.
People also perform special prayers and rituals at temples, and as the festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, it is a symbol of eternal love and joy.
And as no celebration is complete without food, people also prepare special dishes to celebrate on the day, not quite a grand feast as Holi, but there are dishes like puran poli, gujiya, malpua, and more.
Rang Panchami celebrations around India
Rang Panchami, although not as widely celebrated as Holi, is still celebrated with pomp, love, and energy in some regions. In cities, people decorate the temples with flowers, garlands, and Rangoli, and there are special events in the temples with chants, kirtans, and mantras. And even inside the temples there are water splashes, colour smearing, and processions. There is also ‘Gulal utsav’ where people smear Gulal on not just each other, but also on the idols of Gods.
On the streets there are huge processions, dhol performances, and crowds celebrating in joy.
Some people also enact Krishna leelas and chant mantras and praises of his name.
