Mumbai: Phulera Dooj marks the onset of Holi and is observed on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month, between Vasant Panchami and Holi. This year, Phulera Dooj falls on March 12. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Radha Rani got married in the presence of Lord Brahma on this auspicious day. While Phulera Dooj is celebrated across the nation, it holds special significance in Mathura’s Braj.

Phulera Dooj 2024 Date: March 12, 2024

Most auspicious time to perform Phulera Dooj puja is this time:

Start of Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi: March 11, 2024- 10:44 pm
End of Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi: March 12, 2024- 7:13 am

Legend says Lord Krishna initiated Holi with flowers and wed Radha Rani on this day. Phulera translates to flowers. Celebrated predominantly in Braj, it holds significant auspiciousness, and this day is chosen for ceremonies like marriage or business ventures. The entirety of Phulera Dooj is deemed propitious for conducting auspicious activities.

According to astronomical calculations, Phulera Dooj is considered an exceptionally auspicious day, as every minute of it known as ‘Aboojh Muhurat’, is deemed free from any faults or doshas. Consequently, any hour during Phulera Dooj can be selected for auspicious ceremonies, like marriages, making it an ideal day for launching new ventures as well. Ultimately, the celebration of Phulera Dooj symbolises Lord Krishna’s reciprocation of the love and devotion demonstrated by his devotees.

During Phulera Dooj, devotees of Lord Krishna visit Krishna temples in Mathura and Vrindavan to seek his blessings. Phulera Dooj sees temples and homes adorned with flowers. Devotees rise early to perform puja, placing idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha together. In various regions, Phulera Dooj is marked with grand festivities, where people play Holi with flowers rather than colours.

The day entails elaborate festivities offering special bhog, performing rituals like Sandhya Aarti and Krishna Leela reenactments, and culminating in the application of gulaal to deity idols and devotees.

Celebrations include grand festivities in Braj, with temples adorned with lights and flowers. Lord Krishna’s idol is prepared for Holi with coloured fabric, followed by rituals like ‘Shayan Bhog’ and offerings of special bhog, including pohas. ‘Sandhya Aarti’ and ‘Samaj Mein Rasiya’ are important rites performed on this day.

It is widely regarded as an exceptionally auspicious day, free from any negative influences. It’s believed that devotees who worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha on this auspicious day are blessed with happiness, love, wealth, and prosperity in their lives.