Rang Panchami 2023: Date, significance and celebration

Rang Panchami is a festival celebrated in the Malwa region of India, especially in the city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is the last day of Holi celebrations and is celebrated in many parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. This year the festival will be celebrated tomorrow, i.e, on March 12, 2023.

Rang Panchami is celebrated for five days after Holika Dahan, as a way to overcome evil forces in life. People worship Lord Krishna and Radha on this day, and processions are taken out with their idols. The festival activates the five key elements, namely earth, heaven, wind, water and fire, which support the formation of the Universe, and are also believed to make up our body.

In Indore, a procession with a water tank and cannons is taken out. Gulal, a type of coloured powder, is used widely on this day. Traditional dishes are prepared, and in Maharashtra, Puran Poli, a sweet dish, is made. Fishing communities enjoy the Palkha dance, and a Dahi Handi competition is held, where young people form a human pyramid to break the handi, a pot containing curd hung at a high spot. The day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his divine consort Radha, and the festival activates the five key elements that support the formation of the universe.

FAQs

Q1.Which God and Goddess is worshipped on rang panchami?
On the auspicious eve of rang panchami, we worship Radha-Krishna.Q2.What is rang panchami in Madhya Pradesh known as?
This festival is called Shimgo in Madhya Pradesh and is characterised by the traditional Palkha dance.