Bihar to Celebrate Holi Today

While Holi was celebrated across India on Thursday, March 8, 2012, the festival of colors was deferred by a day in Bihar — due to astrological reasons, people in the state will celebrate the festival on Friday, March 9.

Patna-based astrologer Nawalkishore Mishra said March 7 was the "Holika Dahan" day while March 9 was the day to celebrate Holi when people throw color on each other.

"The gap between the Holika Dahan and Holi is due to astrological reasons. According to the "panchang" (Hindu astrological calendar) of Mithila and Benares, water colors come out on the occasion of "Pratipada", the day after Purnima (Full-Moon Day)," he said.

Purnima would continue till late on March 8, the day following Holika Dahan. But Purnima is not considered auspicious for Holi. According to the Mithila Panchang, the date of watercolour Holi is March 9, Mishra said.