Holika Dahan is celebrated with considerable significance in Hindu culture, and the event is based on legendary and historical accounts. The bonfire represents the burning of bad energies and impurities. It represents removing bad energy and negativity from one's environment and spirit. Hindu mythology and culture provide as a solid foundation for Holika Dahan. People might re-establish a connection with their cultural history and pass on the festival's ideals and stories to future generations.
Also Read : Month and State wise Festivals of India in different cultural aspects.
Communities come together to construct and light the bonfire, carry out customs, and commemorate the victory of goodness as a whole.
The Mythological story:
There is a mythological story behind the celebration of Holika Dahan and Holi festival. According to this, in ancient times, Prahlada, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu did not like this, he was anti-Vishnu. He tried hard to kill his son Prahlad but God saved him every time.
King Hiranyakashipu then ordered his sister Holika to burn Prahlada to death. In fact, Holika received a boon from Brahma that fire cannot burn her because she has a special blanket-like garment that is blessed. After this, Holika sat on a pile of wood with Prahlad in her lap as planned, but by the grace of Lord Vishnu, the blanket flew over the devotee Prahlad, and Holika was burnt and Prahlad was saved. Since then, every year Holika Dahan is celebrated as the victory of virtue over sin.
The Festival befor Color Festival:
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun. Holika Dahan takes place on the night of Purnima and the next day Holi is played with colours.
Confusion of Date Holoka Dahan:
A variety of foods are served during this festival. It is celebrated as the victory of religion over lawlessness. Like last year, this year too, people are confused about the date of Holika Dahan and the game of Holi. Know the exact date of Holi and the auspicious time of Holika Dahan.
Date & Time this year Holika Utsav:
According to the Vedic calendar, this year the Purnima Tithi of Phalguna month is starting from 10: 25 AM on March 13, 2025 and ending at 12: 23 PM on March 14, 2025.
In such a situation, according to the Udaya Tithi, Holika Dahan will be held on March 13. The auspicious time of Holika Dahan will be from 11: 26 pm to 12: 30 pm on March 13. This means that there will be 64 minutes for Holika Dahan this year.
After Holika Dahan late at night on March 13, Holi will be celebrated the next day on March 14. It is called the Dhulendi festival. When people celebrate the festival of Holi.
Women perform rituals during preparation for Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi festival, in Patna, Bihar.