When is Choti Holi 2025? Know Holika Dahan date, rituals, history, significance and all you need to know

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.

When is Choti Holi in 2025? (Kab Hai Choti Holi 2025?)

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.

History and Significance of Holika Dahan

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!

Choli Holi (Holika Dahan) Significance

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.

Dos and Don¡¯ts for Holika Dahan and Holi Celebrations

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.

Holika Dahan 2025 puja samagri:

• Cow dung cakes and toys, idols of Holika and Prahlad made of cow dung
• A whole brown coconut
• A Kalash full of water
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Agarbatti and Dhoop (Incense sticks)
• Deep (oil lamp - sesame/mustard oil, cotton wick, and brass or earthen lamp)
• Cotton thread (Kalava)
• Turmeric (Haldi)
• Batasha or any other sweet
• Kumkum (Vermillion)
• Logs of wood
• Moong Daal
• Flowers
• Gulal

Holika Dahan 2025: Puja Vidhi

• Cleanse the Area: Prior to the ritual, clean the designated area with Gangajal (water from the Ganges) or cow dung water. Ensure the chosen location is an open field or ground.
• Arrange the Bonfire: Pile the logs of wood and cow dung cakes in a triangular shape, ready for the Holika Dahan ceremony.
• Invoke Lord Ganesha: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha and seeking his blessings to ensure a smooth and obstacle-free performance of the Holika Dahan ritual.
• Place Idols of Prahlad and Holika: Position the idols of Prahlad and Holika beside each other during the puja. This represents the symbolic narrative of Lord Vishnu's protection of Prahlad and the defeat of evil represented by Holika.
• Mantra: The idols of Prahalad and Holika are kept beside each other during the puja. Light a Deep (oil lamp) and invoke Lord Narasimha by chanting the following Mantra:

?????? ???????? ?????????????? ??????

?????????????????? ????-????-??????

Ito Nrsimhah parato narsimho, yato yato yami tato nrsimhah,

bahirnarsimho hridaye nrsimho, nrsimhamadim saranam prapadye ||

??? ??????? ???? ???????

??? ??? ???? ??? ???????

???????????? ????? ???????

??????????? ???? ????????!!

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.

What to do during Bonfire?

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.

Happy Choti Holi wishes, messages, & WhatsApp status

• I hope the festive colours of joy paint the canvas of your life on this auspicious occasion of Holi. Cheers to Choti Holi!
• Let's use this Holika Dahan to eradicate all negativity from our lives. Wishing you all a very Joyful Holika Dahan.
• May the Holi fire cleanse your spirit, the colours illuminate your life, and the sweets sweeten your journey through life. Cheers to Holika Dahan!
• May this festival dispel all cruelty and negativity from your life and replace it with positivity and a deeper understanding of it. Greetings on Holi!
• May this Holi imbue your life with the purest shades of joy and anticipation for the journey ahead. Cheers to Choti Holi!
• May the Holi fire cleanse you, and may the colours of Holi brighten your life. May the sweets sweeten your life's path. Cheers to Holi.
• May you lead a life free from harm. I wish for kindness to surround you always. Wishing you a very joyful Holika Dahan this year.
• On this auspicious day of Phalguna Purnima, may Lord Narasimha bestow his precious blessings upon you. Wishing you a Merry Holika Dahan.
• May the Holika Dahan fire consume our sorrows. Happy Holi!

(Note: Dates may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.