Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated the day before the festival of colours, Holi. This vibrant occasion is observed across the country, especially in the northern parts of India, bringing communities together for prayers, social gatherings, and joyous festivities. The lighting of bonfires symbolises the triumph of good over evil, with the burning of Holika representing unwavering devotion overcoming wickedness.
Choti Holi is important Hindu festival. It is a time of joy, laughter, and festivity, where people come together to play with colours and indulge in delightful sweets. From its date and auspicious timings to its historical and spiritual importance, here¡¯s everything you need to know about this cherished festival.
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Holika Dahan | March 13, 2025 |
| Auspicious Muhurat Begins | 11:26 PM, March 13 |
| Auspicious Muhurat Ends | 12:30 AM, March 14 |
| Duration of Muhurat | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Bhadra Punch | 6:57 PM ¨C 8:14 PM |
| Bhadra Mukh | 8:14 PM ¨C 10:22 PM |
Choti Holi, or Holika Dahan, will be celebrated across India on Thursday, March 13, 2025. As per the Drik Panchang calendar, the most auspicious time to perform the rituals starts at 11:26 PM on March 13 and lasts until 12:30 AM on March 14, duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes.
This festival marks the victory of righteousness over wickedness, as families and friends unite to light bonfires, throw colours, and enjoy traditional delicacies. It is a time for communities to come together, fostering happiness and creating cherished memories.
In many parts of India, Holi is a two-day celebration. The first day, Jalanewali Holi, is when the ceremonial bonfire is lit. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi, is the playful and colourful festivity where people smear each other with vibrant powders and water, spreading joy and goodwill.
Holika Dahan is observed annually on the full moon night of the Phalguna month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling in February or March. In 2025, it will be commemorated on March 13. Also referred to as Chhoti Holi, this festival sets the stage for the grand Holi celebrations that follow.
According to Hindu mythology, Holika Dahan celebrates the courage and faith of Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, against his tyrannical father, Hiranyakashipu. The demon king demanded that everyone worship him as a god, but Prahlada refused, choosing to remain faithful to Lord Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu conspired with his sister Holika, who had a divine cloak that made her immune to fire, to burn Prahlada. However, due to divine intervention, Holika was consumed by the flames, while Prahlada emerged unharmed. Ultimately, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha to defeat Hiranyakashipu, reaffirming the belief that good always triumphs over evil.
On Holika Dahan, people light bonfires in open spaces, symbolising the burning away of negativity and evil forces. Prayers (puja) are offered to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for prosperity and happiness.
Apart from its spiritual meaning, Holika Dahan also holds great cultural significance. During the festival, people apply coloured powder (tilak) on each other¡¯s foreheads, symbolising friendship and harmony. Traditional sweets and snacks are shared, adding to the festive spirit.
Overall, Holika Dahan is a time of faith, unity, and celebration. It reminds us of the power of devotion, the destruction of evil, and the joy of togetherness. So, gather around the bonfire, relish delicious treats, and welcome the festival of Holi with warmth and happiness!
Holika Dahan, also known as Choli Holi, symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the victory of devotion over malice. People light bonfires to commemorate this victory, believing that these flames represent the defeat of Holika, a demoness who attempted to harm Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Her downfall serves as a reminder that righteousness always prevails over wickedness.
Holika Dahan also marks the transition from winter to spring, making it a time of renewal and joy. Families and friends come together to celebrate, strengthening bonds and enjoying the festivities. Beyond its religious and cultural significance, Holika Dahan also benefits the environment. The bonfires, made from dried leaves and twigs, help purify the air and reduce the spread of diseases.
To ensure a meaningful and safe Holika Dahan, perform the rituals during the Pradosh Kaal and avoid the Bhadra Kaal timing. Use natural wood and organic materials for offerings to maintain purity and environmental sustainability. Approach the occasion with sincerity, positivity, and devotion. Pray for protection from all forms of negativity¡ªwhether it be a formidable foe or a troublesome relative, much like Prahlad¡¯s ordeal with Holika.
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Ito Nrsimhah parato narsimho, yato yato yami tato nrsimhah,?
bahirnarsimho hridaye nrsimho, nrsimhamadim saranam prapadye ||
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After seeking the blessings of Lord Narasimha, remove the idol of Prahlad from the Dahan. This ritual symbolises how Lord Vishnu's divine intervention saved Prahlad from the fire, while Holika was consumed by the flames.
Light the bonfire and the idol of Holika.?
Offer flowers, doop, agarbatti, akshat, cotton thread, moong daal, sweets or batasha, haldi, kumkum, coconut, gulal and water.?
Devotees are advised to visit the place where the bonfire is lit after sunset. Place Hawan Samagri in the bonfire and offer dried coconut into the holy flames. Circumambulate the bonfire seven times as a mark of reverence and devotion. Additionally, offering cloves (laung) and camphor into the fire is considered auspicious during this ritual.
(Note: Dates may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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