Holika Dahan 2024: Is Choti Holi On March 24 or 25?
Holika Dahan 2024: Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is an auspicious festival, marking the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalgun.?
Holi comes right after, on the next day, which is called Chaitra Krishna Paksha Pratipada. The festival falls in February or March in the regular calendar. Holika Dahan is a big celebration all over India. Holi lasts for two days, starting with the evening before, known as Holika Dahan.?
Some places call it Holika or Kamadu Pyre. Even though it's a Hindu festival, people from different religions and regions celebrate it. Holi is all about colours, fun, and spreading the message of unity and equality.
Are you wondering when Choti Holi, the eve of Holi, will take place this year? Let's dive into the details and find out if it falls on March 24 or 25.
When is Holika Dahan in 2024?
In 2024, this auspicious festival falls on March 24th, bringing with it a wave of joy and cultural significance.?
Holika Dahan: A Celebration of Good Triumphing Evil
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, holds a special place in the hearts of millions, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over malevolence. It is celebrated on the eve of Holi, a festival where people indulge in vibrant splash plays with coloured powders. The legend of Holika Dahan revolves around the tale of Prahlad and Holika.
The Story Behind Holika Dahan
Once upon a time, there was a king named Hiranyakashyap who ruled the earth. He was very proud and wanted everyone to worship only him. But his son, Prahlad, worshipped Lord Vishnu also known as Narayana instead of his father, which made the king angry.
Hiranyakashyap tried many times to harm Prahlad, but Lord Vishnu protected him each time. Finally, the king asked his sister, Holika, to sit in a fire with Prahlad on her lap because she had a special power to be unharmed by the fire.
Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting with her in the fire, but she didn't know her power only worked when she was alone. Prahlad kept chanting the name of Lord Naarayana and came out of the fire unharmed, while Holika perished.
That's why Holi is named after Holika, and it celebrates the victory of good over evil. It's also about the triumph of devotion, showing that no harm can come to a true devotee. People still reenact the burning of Holika by burning effigies in huge bonfires during Holi, especially in North India.
In Gujarat and Orissa, people offer thanks to the god of fire, Agni, by offering grains and harvest stalks into the fire. On the last day of Holi, people take a bit of fire from the bonfire to their homes to purify them and ward off diseases. Some also clean their homes thoroughly to get rid of germs and improve sanitation.
Choti Holi 2024: Timing?
In 2024, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 24, ushering in a night of festivities and rituals. The auspicious time for the ritual, known as Holika Dahan Muhurat, is from 11:13 pm to 12:27 am, according to Drik Panchang.?
| Holika Dahan Muhurta | 11:13 pm on March 24 to 12:27 am, March 25 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 09:54 am on Mar 24, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 12:29 pm on Mar 25, 2024 |
| Bhadra Punchha | 06:33 pm to 07:53 pm |
| Bhadra Mukha | 07:53 pm to 10:06 pm |
Choti Holi 2024 traditions:
Communities gather around bonfires, performing puja and rituals to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. It's a time for reflection, forgiveness, and strengthening bonds with loved ones.
Celebrating Holika Dahan: Traditions and Customs
Holika Dahan is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm across India. People gather around bonfires, offering prayers and seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness. Traditional rituals involve wrapping wood pyres with white thread and adorning them with flowers and holy water before lighting them. Communities sing and dance around the bonfires, spreading joy and harmony.
As Holika Dahan 2024 approaches, let us embrace the spirit of unity and righteousness that defines this auspicious occasion. Whether it's gathering around bonfires, smearing colurs of joy, or relishing mouth-watering delicacies, let us cherish the traditions that bind us together. So mark your calendars for March 24, as we come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil in the vibrant festival of Holika Dahan.
Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.
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