Holika Dahan is celebrated a day prior to Holi. This day marks the victory of good over evil. Read on to know the date, auspicious time ad traditions the follow through.
Holi, the festival of colours is celebrated with vibrant vigour, zeal, love and a platter full of delicacies and delectable snacks. This year Holi will be celebrated on March 25. A day prior to Holi is known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi. This is an auspicious day that will fall on March 24. This day marks the victory of good over evil and has a story that leads up to the day. Holika Dahan holds cultural and religious significance, and it marks the beginning of the Holi festival, which follows the next day.
HOLIKA DAHAN 2024: SHUBH MUHURAT, DATE AND SIGNIFIANCE
Holika Dahan will take place on March 24 (Sunday). According to Drik Panchang, Holika Dahan puja should be performed during Pradosh with Bhadra. The Purnima Tithi begins at 09:54 AM on Mar 24, 2024, and ends by 12:29 PM on Mar 25, 2024.
During Holika Dahan, a bonfire is lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil. People gather around the bonfire and perform religious rituals. This ritual commemorates the story of Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the demoness Holika. According to Hindu mythology, Prahlada’s unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu protected him from Holika’s evil intentions, and she was ultimately defeated.
People offer prayers to seek blessings, and they circle around the fire, sing religious hymns, and throw roasted grains, coconut, and other symbolic items into the fire.
Story of Holika Dahan
Prahlada was the son of King Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king who considered himself invincible. Hiranyakashipu had received a boon from Lord Brahma, which made him virtually indestructible. However, Prahlada, despite being born into a demon family, was a devoted devotee of Lord Vishnu. He refused to worship his father as a deity and instead continued to worship Lord Vishnu with unwavering faith.
This defiance enraged Hiranyakashipu, the demon king decided to kill his own son. Hiranyakashipu sought the help of his sister, Holika, who had a special cloak that made her immune to fire. They planned to burn Prahlada alive by having Holika sit in the fire with Prahlada on her lap.
As the bonfire was lit, Prahlada prayed to Lord Vishnu for protection, while Holika sat with him in the fire. To everyone’s astonishment, Holika was consumed by the fire and perished while Prahlada emerged unscathed from the fire.
The story of Prahlada and Holika serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, devotion, and righteousness in the face of adversity. It is believed to symbolise the victory of truth, goodness, and divine protection.
Wish you all a very happy and safe Holi!