Holi 2023: March 8 Declared As Local Holiday In Guwahati

On account of Dol Jatra or Holi Festivities, the Kamrup Metro District Administration has declared a local holiday on March 8, 2023.

As per a notification issued by the office of the Governor of Assam, all state government offices, educational institutes and financial institutions will remain closed on coming Wednesday.

However, emergency services will continue to function as usual.

All financial institutions within the Kamrup (M) district under Section 25 of N.I.Act, 1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs will also remain closed on account of this local holiday.

The Assam Police have appealed to all in the state not to violate safety norms like not mixing drinks and driving, driving and riding within the permissible speed limits among others, especially during Holi or Doul Utsav. 

According to Hindu mythology, the festival of Holi marks the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Hiranyakashyapu. The story goes that Hiranyakashyapu ordered his son Prahlad to stop worshipping Lord Vishnu whom he considered his nemesis but Prahlad refused. Consequently, the demon king asked his sister to kill Prahlad. Holika took Prahalad in her lap and sat in a bonfire as she had immunity to fire. However, while the demon princess was burned alive, Prahlad survived due to the blessing of Lorn Vishnu.

This year Holi will be celebrated on 8 March, while Choti Holi or Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 7 March and the ‘muhurat’ for Holika Dahan is between 6:24 pm to 8:51 pm.