The festival of colors is here. Finally, it is the time of the year to dive into colors and celebrate togetherness. Everyone knows what Holi is, but have you ever thought of the purpose of celebrating Holika in our Hindu traditions? If not, then here is a short description of what Holika is before getting indulged in time, rituals and other aspects of celebrating Holika Dahan.
What is Holika Dahan?
There was a powerful king named Hiranyakashipu who wanted to be worshipped as a god and was given a boon by Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible. Thus, he could not be killed by any creature on the earth or any beast, neither inside nor outside, during day or night, or by any weapon. Because of his tremendous power, he terrorized the world and demanded everyone worship him as a deity.
But there comes a time when evil needs to surrender and let go of their deeds. Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlada who was devoted to Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his own father. Regardless of various attempts, Prahlada abandoned his father and remained stuck to his decision to worship Lord Vishnu. The king became furious and made the decision to kill his son.
In order to do that, he summoned his sister “Holika,” who was a powerful demoness. She had a powerful cloak that kept her safe from fire. Therefore, Hiranyakashipu ordered Holika to sit in the fire with his son Prahlada on her lap, believing a cloak would protect her while his son would burn alive. However, the evil was knocked out as Holika was burned alive despite using all her evil powers and Prahlada survived.
Hence, it is proved that evil can never gain victory in front of goodness, positivity, and devotion. Since then, Hindus have followed the tradition to burn a bonfire made of twigs, wood, and other flammable materials. It symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika and re-establishing goodness and positivity in the lives of people. Thus, take Holika Dahan as a reminder that “good always triumphs over evil.”
Holika Dahan 2025: Time (Shubh Muhurat)
As per the Hindu Panchang, the full moon (purnima tithi) will occur from 10:35 AM on March 13, 2025, to 12:23 PM on March 14, 2025. As per beliefs, performing rituals during Bhadra (the sixth month of the Hindu calendar) is seen as unlucky. Thus, the best time to perform Holika Dahan is during Pradosh Kaal (evening period) following the end of Bhadra Kaal.
Bhadra Kaal Time: 10:35 AM until 11:26 PM on March 13.
March 13 from 11:26 PM to 12:30 AM on March 14 is Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan 2025: Materials (Puja Samagri)
Here are the essential materials (puja samagri) required for Holika Dahan:
- Wood logs, dried cow dung cakes
- Mustard seeds and ghee (clarified butter)
- Desi Ghee and Diya
- Water, flowers, thread, turmeric
- Coconut, jaggery, wheat grains, and sesame seeds
Holika Dahan 2025: Ritual (Puja Vidhi)
Here is step-by-step guidance to perform Holika dahan.
- Choose an open space where Holika Dahan is generally performed, like a field or yard.
- Clear the space and make a mandala (sacred circle with rangoli).
- Gather wooden logs, dried cow dung cakes, and dried leaves.
- Arrange the wood in a pyramid shape and place an effigy of Holika and Prahlada.
- Before lighting the fire, offer turmeric, kumkum (vermilion).
- Coconut, sugarcane, jaggery, ghee, mustard seeds, and sesame seeds are also offered in the fire.
- People circumambulate the bonfire three or seven times while chanting sacred mantras.
Some common Holika Dahan mantras are:
- Ataswāṁ pūjayīṣyāmi bhūti-bhūti pradāyinīm mantra bolnā chāhiye. Isse bhay se muktī miltī hai.”
- Ahakūṭā bhayatrastaiḥ kṛtā tvaṁ holi bāliśaiḥ.
- Ataswāṁ pūjayīṣyāmi bhūti-bhūti pradāyinīm.
- Om jaya narasiṁha hare, prabhu jaya narasiṁha hare.”
End Note
Celebrate Holika Dahan 2025 not only for enjoyment but also to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of the occasion. Indulge in the positivity of this ritual and be guided towards establishing faith and devotion in your life.
Wish you happiness and prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Holika Dahan.
About The Author
