Falgun Purnima Vrat

Vrat (fast), Festival (Holika Dahan)

Not a national holiday, but widely observed with local holidays or special events, especially for Holika Dahan.

1 Day (The main observance and Holika Dahan rituals take place on the evening/night of Falgun Purnima, followed by Holi on the next day).

Marks the culmination of the Hindu month of Falgun. Primarily celebrated as Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, devotion over wickedness, and the triumph of truth. It also signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring. For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, it is observed as Gaura Purnima, celebrating the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Key Rituals & Practices

Holika Dahan**: Lighting a bonfire on the evening of Falgun Purnima, symbolizing the burning of Holika and evil forces. People offer raw threads, pop-corn, coconut, and grains to the bonfire.

Puja and Prayers**: Offerings made to the fire god Agni and other deities.

Parikrama (Circumambulation)**: Devotees circumambulate the Holika bonfire, praying for prosperity and protection.

Fasting**: Many observe a partial or full fast on this day for spiritual purification and to honor Lord Vishnu or other deities.

Preparation for Holi**: The day sets the stage for the colorful festival of Holi, which is celebrated on the following day (Chaitra Krishna Paksha Pratipada).

Gaura Purnima Celebrations**: For Vaishnavas, special 'abhishek' (bathing ceremony) of deities, elaborate kirtans (devotional singing), lectures on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's life, and grand feasts are organized.

Associated Deities

Lord Vishnu (in his Narasimha avatar, through the story of Prahlad)

Holika (the demoness burned)

Sri Krishna

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (for Gaura Purnima)

Lord Shiva (in context of Kama Dahan)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Falgun

Paksha

Shukla Paksha

Tithi

Purnima

Regional Relevance & Variations

undefined

Historical & Mythological Context

The most prominent legend associated with Holika Dahan involves King Hiranyakashipu, his devout son Prahlad, and Hiranyakashipu's demoness sister, Holika. Holika, who had a boon to be immune to fire, attempted to burn Prahlad in a pyre. However, due to Prahlad's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, Holika was consumed by the flames, while Prahlad remained unharmed. This symbolizes the victory of devotion and good over evil. For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Falgun Purnima is the auspicious appearance day (birthday) of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 AD), who propagated the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and the Bhakti Yoga tradition. In some southern traditions, it is the day Lord Shiva burned Kamadeva (the god of love) to ashes when Kama disturbed his meditation, a legend preceding Holi festivities.

Alternative Names

Holika Dahan

Choti Holi

Phalguni Purnima

Gaura Purnima

Kama Dahan

Gregorian Date

Varies each year, typically falls in late February or March.