Traditions of Sanatan Dharma are as timeless as Dharma itself. It would be futile to date them. We do know that the festival of Holi was celebrated by Lord Krishna Himself in the Dwapar Yuga.
There are other stories connected with Holi which confirm it is indeed a timeless tradition. References to Holi can be found in various Puranas such as Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana. Depictions of Holi scenes can be seen in numerous panels and carvings on the walls of ancient temples.
Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is the ritual that precedes the festival of Holi. It signifies the victory of good over evil. This is the ritual where the demon Holika, who represents evil, is symbolically burned.
Large pyres of wood are made in open and common spaces like parks, fields, community centers and even on roads. An effigy of Demoness Holika is put atop the pyre, which is set on fire.
Date and Timings For Holika Dahan 2025
Holika Dahan will take place on 13th March 2025 this time. On March 13, we shall celebrate Rangotsav. This Holika Dahan day, Bhadra Yoga will be open until 12:30 p.m.
Holika Dahan 2025 Muhurat: March 13 from 11:26 PM to 12:30 AM
It is not appropriate to perform Holika Dahan during Bhadra, hence it will take place after 06:57 p.m. after Bhadra finishes.
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Holika Dahan 2025 Puja Vidhi
Holika Dahan is being done at night. Before this, there is a tradition to worship Holika Mata. On this day, at sunrise, finish all work, take a bath and wear clean clothes. After this, we will go to the place of Holika Dahan.
First of all, offer some water to Holika along with flowers, garland, roli, akshat, wheat earrings, sugarcane and gram trees, moong dal and water. After this, light a ghee lamp, take raw cotton, smoke it around Holika and do 5 parikramas.
After this, pray for happiness and prosperity. At the time of Holika Dahan at night, offer Akshat while praying for happiness and prosperity.
The Story of Bhakta Prahlad Hiranyakashipu and Holika
Hiranyakashipu was a demon king with great powers granted by Lord Brahma as a result of long and severe penance. Hiranyakashipu used these powers to terrorize heaven and earth.
Because of the boons granted by Lord Brahma, Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by a man or beast, in the day or at night, not inside a house or outside, not in the sky or on earth and not by any weapon.
He was invincible and the power went to his head. He went so far as to say that he should be worshipped instead of God. Accordingly, his subjects started worshipping him and rejected other Devas and God.
Prahlad was Hiranyakashipu’s son. Though born into the demon race, Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow to his father Hiranyakashipu. This enraged the demon king and he even tried to kill his own son but failed each time.
Determined to kill Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu sent his evil sister Holika for that purpose. She caught Prahlad and sat down in a huge fire with the intent of burning him to death. Holika herself was protected by a special garment.
Bhakta Prahlad prayed in earnest to Lord Vishnu. Just then a gust of wind blew the protective garment off Holika and covered Prahlad. Holika burned to death and Prahlad emerged unharmed.
Some time later Lord Vishnu appeared in His Narasimha Avatar and killed Hiranyakashipu. By this act, Lord Vishnu made the world a much safer and better place.
Also, check the blog on Vrindavan Holi celebration 2025.
Significance of Holika Dahan
On the evening before Holi, people gather wood and flammable items from wherever they can and assemble them in one place. Earlier Vedic mantras were chanted before lighting the pyre.
Ingredients used in Havans were tossed into the fire. Nowadays, grains like Bajra (Millet) and Jowar (Sorghum) are used. People walk around the fire, tossing in handfuls of Jowar.
They also break coconuts on the ground in front of the fire. After the fire is extinguished, the ash that remains is taken and applied to the foreheads. Holika Dahan is also known as Holika Deepak and Chhoti Holi in some parts of India.
The ritual is done during Pradosh Kaal which starts after sunset and while the Purnima (Full Moon) Tithi (Lunar Calendar Date) has started.
The eight days preceding Holi are considered highly inauspicious and no work is started on those days. The period is known as Holashtak. This unfavorable period also comes to an end and the festival of Colours (Holi) is celebrated with great enthusiasm the next morning across the country, marking the beginning of good days.
Check our blog on Holi Status and Quotes.
Holika Dahan Around The World
The ritual of Holika Dahan and the festival of Holi is not restricted to India. It is celebrated wherever people of Indian origin are settled. People celebrate in the same way as they would have in India.
The ritual of Holika Dahan is observed faithfully. Among the places outside India where this is done include the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal, South Africa, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Surinam, Singapore and more.
Must Visit Places For Holi Celebration
In India, Holi is celebrated very widely and in the best way. The people celebrate the festival and welcome the season of spring. Thus, Holi is celebrated by the Indian people. Some places where the Holi Festival is celebrated in the most memorable way are given below; check the accommodations at the places.
FAQ’s
Holi is celebrated all over India during the month of March and this year it is celebrated on 13-14th March 2025. It is originally celebrated in the Vraj area and at the temples of Radha Krishna.
The Holika Dahan timing for 2025 is on the 13th of February between 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Holika Dahana is a symbol of eradicating evil, negativity and ego from our lives. It serves as proof that good always prevails over evil.
The Holi festival lasts for 2 days. On the main day Holika Dahan and Dhuleti, the day on which the devotees play with colours and water.
The red color should be avoided to be worn during the Holika Dahan even though one can wear other all colours during the Holika Dahan.
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