Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is an important festival celebrated on the night before the colorful festival of Holi. The word “Holika Dahan” means burning of Holika, the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. This festival marks the victory of good over evil and is one of the oldest festivals in the Hindu religion. This year, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 03, 2026.
Holika Dahan Date
Date: March 03, 2026 (Tuesday)
Holika Dahan Muhurat: 06:22 PM – 08:50 PM
Bhadra Punchha: 01:25 AM – 02:35 AM
Bhadra Mukha: 02:35 AM – 04:30 AM
Holika Dahan Story
Long ago, there was an evil Asura king named Hiranyakashipu. He wanted everyone to worship him, but his own son, Prahlada, was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Even when Prahlada was in his mother’s womb, he heard the name of Lord Narayana (Vishnu) from Sage Narada, and from then on, he was a faithful devotee.
Hiranyakashipu hated Lord Vishnu because Vishnu had killed his brother, Hiranyaksha, in the form of Varaha Avatar. Despite many warnings, Prahlada refused to stop worshipping Lord Vishnu. This made his father very angry. He ordered his guards to kill Prahlada in many different ways – poisoning, trampling by elephants, snake bites, and throwing him into rivers and valleys. But every time, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlada.
Finally, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika for help. Holika had a magical gift – she could not be harmed by fire. She sat on a burning pyre with Prahlada on her lap, hoping the fire would burn him. But Prahlada kept chanting the name of Lord Vishnu. Miraculously, Holika was burned to ashes, but Prahlada came out safe and unharmed.
Since then, people celebrate Holika Dahan every year to remember this great event – the victory of faith, devotion, and good over evil.
Holika Celebration
Holika Installation (Sthapana)
Before the fire is lit, Holika is set up in a special way:
- Choose a clean and sacred spot, preferably rinsed with cow dung and Ganga water. If not available, sprinkle water with Tulsi leaves.
- In the center, place a wooden pole surrounded by beads and garlands made from cow dung (called Gulari).
- Small idols of Holika and Prahlada (made from cow dung or clay) are placed on top of the pile.
- The setup is decorated with small toys, shields, swords, and shapes of the sun, moon, and stars made of cow dung or clay.
Puja Vidhi
Here are the items usually used in Holika Dahan Puja. But don’t worry if you don’t have them all—what matters most is the devotion in your heart.
- Beads made of cow dung or clay
- Roli (red powder)
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Incense (agarbatti or dhoop)
- Flowers
- Raw cotton thread
- Pieces of turmeric
- Whole green moong dal
- Batasha (sugar drops), jaggery (gud), or sugar
- Colored powder (Gulal)
- A coconut
- Fresh grains from new harvests like wheat, gram, or any local crop
People offer these items into the fire and pray for health, happiness, and protection from evil.
Holika Dahan is not just about burning wood—it’s about burning away our bad thoughts, our anger, and fear, and making space for joy, love, and colors, which arrive the very next day with Holi!
Wishing you and your family a joyful Holika Dahan and a colorful Holi!
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