Holika Dahan, also known as the Festival of Colours, is observed annually in March. The Indian lunar calendar determines the festival's date, which changes every year. In 2025, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 13th March, Thursday. The festival honours the tale of Prahlad and Holika, two figures coming from Indian folklore, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is celebrated with dances and bonfires at an auspicious time in the evening.
On the next day, Holi is celebrated where people indulge in splash play by smothering each other in coloured powder. As the Spring season begins on this day, relationships are formed and fixed. Every year, people all over the nation celebrate the Festival of Colours with tremendous fervour and enthusiasm. Dol Purnima, Manjal Kuli, Rangwali Holi, Shigmo, and Dhulandi are some other names for the festival.
India will celebrate Holi 2025 on Friday, 14th March 2025. The Hindu calendar states that Holi is observed annually on the full moon date of the month of Falgun. The festival of Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi, will take place on Thursday, 13th March 2025.
Holika Dahan Muhurta 2025 Timings
Holika Dahan, which is also known as Chhoti Holi, will be observed between 11:26 p.m. on 13 March and 12:30 a.m. on 14 March 2025. This is considered to be the best time to mark the victory of good over evil by lighting the bonfire.
The muhurta timing for Holika Dahana is very important as it is believed that performing rituals during this auspicious time ensures spiritual benefits, success, and removal of negative energies.
The Muhurta timings are different every year because of the lunar calendar and the moon's position. The timings for 2025 are as given below:
Bhadra Punchha | 06:57 p.m. to 08:14 p.m. on 13 March | Inauspicious period during which important rituals should be avoided. |
Bhadra Mukha | 08:14 p.m. to 10:22 p.m. on 13 March | Auspicious period after Bhadra Punchha, ideal for rituals. |
Holika Dahan during Pradosh with Bhadra | 11:26 p.m. on 13th March and 12:30 p.m. on 14 March | Most favorable time to light the bonfire for Holika Dahan. |
Purnima Tithi Ends | 12:23 p.m. on 14 March | Marks the end of the full moon phase (Purnima) |
The celebration of Holi begins with Holika Dahan. In India, pyres are built on this day in anticipation of a ritual in which a large crowd gathers to sing and dance in unison around a burning effigy. The fire starts in the evening shortly after the full moon sets, symbolising the extermination of an evil spirit. The narrative of Holika and her nephew Prahlad is acted out in the procession. Hiranyakashyapu, the father of Prahlad, was a powerful king who attained his powers from a god.
Nothing could harm him or take his life. Therefore, he declared himself to be a god and insisted on being worshipped by all. The king's own son did not worship his father, even though the residents did so because he was an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu, the supreme being. Hiranyakashyapu was so enraged by this flagrant disregard that he attempted to murder his son. The king finally gave up and asked his sister Holika for help. Holika, who was immune to fire, had to entice Prahlad into a flaming pyre, which ultimately resulted in his demise. However, Lord Vishnu intervened and to their disappointment, the plan did not go as intended. Vishnu saved Prahlad, but Holika was burned in the fire in spite of her immunity.
Because of his ability to shield his devotee from his evil aunt, Vishnu was given the title of 'The Protector of Good.' The next day is filled with exciting activities to celebrate Holika Dahan, including water splashing, powder painting, and delicious snacks. On this day, some celebrate Prahlad's unwavering courage and trust, while believers find comfort in Lord Vishnu.
The day is devoted to making amends and giving life and relationships some thought. The symbolism of the holiday has transcended national boundaries, as Hindus in India and people all over the world now celebrate it. The United States, South Africa, Europe, and Australia are some of the countries that celebrate Holi.
The festival of colours is another name for Holi because people hurl vibrantly coloured powder, known as 'gulal,' at one another on this day. This custom is among the most important parts of the celebration. Typically derived from organic materials like flowers and herbs, the colours used during Holi have various symbolic significance. Red, for instance, is associated with love and fertility, whereas green is associated with growth and new beginnings.
The various moods and emotions that people express during the festival are also thought to be represented by the colours. All things considered, Holi has become known as the festival of colours because of how vibrant and happy the celebration is.
Setting Up the Bonfire:
Holika Effigy:
Rituals and Prayers:
Holika Dahan Mantras:
To commemorate Holika Dahan, a wood pyre is wrapped three or seven times around with white thread, or Mauli (Kaccha Sut). After that, people worship the pyre by covering it in flowers, kumkum, and holy water. The pyre is lit after the puja is finished. In India, people light bonfires to commemorate the victory of Bhakt Prahlad's adoration of Lord Vishnu on this day.
In addition, Holika Puja is performed because it is thought to bestow wealth and prosperity upon every household. People can also overcome all of their fears with the power of this puja.
Select a clear area for the bonfire. Many towns set up a local bonfire as a place for residents to congregate. For the bonfire, gather wood, dried leaves, and other combustibles. Use combustible materials to set up an effigy of Holika. Stack the materials you have gathered into a pyre. Offer your prayers and perform rituals before starting the bonfire. You can recite the Holika Dahan prayers or traditional mantras.
Pray and seek blessings as you walk around the bonfire, chanting. Celebrate Holi by singing classic songs and spreading the cheer to loved ones. To maximise the visual effect of the colourful powders during the celebrations, wear white or light-coloured clothing. Enjoy the stunning sights around the blessed land while getting showered with colour and water. Savour the mouth-watering snacks like barfi, gujiya, malpua, and kachori.
Hindus celebrate Holika Dahan with great significance, and the holiday is based on a historical and mythical account. The burning of evil forces and impurities is symbolised by the bonfire. It stands for eliminating negativity and evil energy from one's surroundings and soul. Holika Dahan has strong roots in Hindu mythology and tradition. People may reconnect with their cultural heritage and teach future generations the values and stories linked to the festival.
People come together because of Holika Dahan's communal element. Communities come together to construct and light the bonfire, carry out customs, and commemorate the victory of goodness as a whole.
In 2025, Holika Dahana will be celebrated on 13 March 2025.
Holika Dahana, which is the first day of Holi celebrations, is also called Chhoti Holi. It commemorates the burning of Holika, an evil spirit who attempted to kill Lord Vishnu's devotee Prahlad.
Holika Dahana is a symbol of eradicating evil, negativity, and ego from our lives. It serves as proof that good always prevails over evil. The Holi bonfire is lit the next day using the fire from Holika Dahan, which is revered.
Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Rangwali Holi is the name of the main day of Holi. After Holika Dahan, people celebrate by throwing water and coloured powder at one another on the next day. Holi is a time to celebrate relationships and interact.
Yes, Holika Dahana is observed all across India, though regional traditions and customs might differ.
Gathering family members, lighting a bonfire in a safe place, saying prayers, and discussing the significance of the festival are all great ways to celebrate Holika Dahana at home. You can also participate in different rituals and distribute sweets among friends and family.
Holi is a festival of colours, and Holika Dahana is its precursor. The clearing of impurities is symbolised by the Holika Dahan bonfire. Holi is joyfully celebrated the following day with vibrant colour displays.
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