Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, signifies the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated on the full moon night of the Phalgun month. The ritual involves burning an effigy of the demoness Holika, symbolizing the victory of Lord Vishnu’s devotee Prahlada over her. In 2025, Holika Dahan will occur on March 13, with specific auspicious timings for rituals believed to bring spiritual benefits. Devotees chant mantras, walk around the bonfire, and partake in roasted crops, while some carry home Holika ash for blessings. The festival emphasizes the importance of faith and the protection of good against malevolence.
Holika Dahan, often referred to as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, signifies the eve of the lively Holi festival. This celebration honors the triumph of good over evil through the burning of an effigy of the mythical demoness Holika. This significant tradition occurs on the full moon night in the month of Phalgun as per the Hindu calendar. It commemorates Lord Vishnu’s defeat of Holika in mythology.
Holika Dahan Date And Shubh Muhurat
This year, Holika Dahan is set to be celebrated on March 13, Thursday, coinciding with the full moon of the Phalgun month.
The timing for the Holika Dahan ritual is crucial as it is believed that performing the ceremony during this auspicious moment brings spiritual advantages, success, and the eradication of negative energies. Here are the timings for 2025:
- Holika Dahan Muhurat: 11:26 pm on March 13 and 12:30 am on March 14
- Bhadra Punchha: 6:57 pm to 8:14 pm
- Bhadra Mukha: 8:14 pm to 10:22 pm on March 13
- Holika Dahan during Pradosh with Bhadra: 11:26 pm on March 13 and 12:30 pm on March 14
- Purnima Tithi: 12:23 pm on March 14
Holika Dahan Rituals
During the Holika Dahan ceremony, a mantra is recited while a bonfire is lit in dedication to the event. Worshippers honor and pray to the spirit of Holika for peace and contentment. The ceremony concludes with devotees walking around the bonfire three, five, or seven times, carrying vessels of water. Once the final circuit is complete, the vessels are emptied.
Following the Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony, devotees receive tilaks on their foreheads. Roasted crops of the current season are enjoyed, and some devotees take home ashes from the Holika bonfire, believing it to be an auspicious practice.
Holika Dahan History And Significance
Numerous legends surround Holika Dahan, but the most renowned one is that of Prahlada, the son of the demon Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. According to the tale, he was raised under the guidance of sage Narada while Hiranyakashipu sought to appease Lord Brahma for immortality, opposing Vishnu and angered by Prahlada’s devotion.
Irritated by Prahlada’s disobedience, Hiranyakashipu instructed his sister Holika to eliminate him. Holika devised a plan to kill Prahlada by luring him into a bonfire, believing her divine shawl, bestowed by Lord Brahma, would protect her. However, as a devotee of Vishnu, Prahlada was safeguarded by the shawl instead.
When the fire was ignited, it is said that Prahlada began to chant Vishnu’s name. Recognizing his devotee’s peril, Vishnu summoned the wind, which blew the shawl off Holika and enveloped Prahlada. Consequently, Holika was consumed by flames, while Prahlada was saved. Thus, Holika Dahan represents the victory of good over evil.