Ranga Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated on Phalguna Krishna Paksha Panchami, which is the fifth day of the second fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
Rang Panchami is celebrated mainly by people living in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and some northern Indian areas. This festival is observed only after the five-day Holi festival cycle (the fifth day following Holika Dahan).
Ranga Panchami is celebrated as a festival of love and colour, associated with the divine couple Radha Krishna. According to another legend it shares with Holi, it is regarded to mark the event of the salvation of Prahlada from a bonfire lit by his aunt Holika, the sister of the asura king Hiranyakashipu.
During Ranga Panchami, people sprinkle or smear colored powder on each other, similar to Holi. However, unlike Holi, on Ranga Panchami, people also splash coloured water on each other. The festival is believed to have originated in Maharashtra and is also known as Shimga.
In some places, people make small processions carrying an image of a deity, and the procession ends with the immersion of the deity in a nearby river or pond.
Performing Puja with a dedicated mind and heart is believed to ensure the blessings of the Durga Goddess on this day.
Ranga Panchami is a popular festival in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
