Holika Dahan

Religious Festival, Cultural Event

Not a gazetted national holiday, but widely observed as a significant religious and cultural event, often leading to half-days or local holidays in certain regions.

Approximately one evening, leading up to the main Holi celebration the next day.

Symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the victory of devotion (Bhakti) over arrogance, and the burning away of negative energies and sins, preparing for the joyous celebration of Holi.

Key Rituals & Practices

Building a bonfire: A pyre is prepared using wood, cow dung cakes, and other combustible materials, often weeks in advance.

Holika Puja: Offerings are made to the pyre before It's lit, including grains (like wheat, gram, barley), coconut, sweets, raw thread, and water, symbolizing prosperity and purification.

Lighting the bonfire: The pyre is lit after sunset, often at an auspicious muhurta.

Circumambulation (Parikrama): Devotees often walk around the lit bonfire a certain number of times (e.g., 3, 5, 7 times), praying for good fortune and the destruction of their inner evils.

Collecting ashes: The next morning, the ashes from the bonfire are often collected and applied to the body as a sacred mark, believed to protect against evil.

Singing and dancing: People gather around the bonfire, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances.

Associated Deities

Lord Vishnu (as the protector of his devotee Prahlada)

Holika (the demoness)

Prahlada

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Phalguna

Paksha

Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Purnima (Full Moon)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

The most significant myth revolves around Prahlada, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu, due to a boon, could not be killed by man or beast, day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky. He became arrogant and demanded everyone worship him. However, his son Prahlada was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu tried various ways to kill Prahlada. His sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire (a special shawl that protected her), was instructed to sit in a pyre with Prahlada in her lap, thinking Prahlada would burn. However, by divine intervention, the shawl flew from Holika and covered Prahlada, and Holika was consumed by the fire. This story exemplifies the protection of devotees by God and the destruction of evil, even if it has divine boons.

Alternative Names

Choti Holi

Holika Puja

Holika Deepak

Holika Dahan Utsav

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically in March.