Holika Dahan is celebrated annually, a day before Holi, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In 2025, Holika Dahan falls on March 13th; however, this day also coincides with Bhadrakaal. According to religious beliefs, auspicious activities are prohibited during Bhadrakaal, making it crucial to observe the correct timing for Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan 2025: Bhadrakaal Timing
Bhadra Puncha (Bhadra's tail): From morning until 6:57 PM.
Bhadra Mukha (Bhadra's face): From 6:57 PM to 10:22 PM, considered inauspicious.
Auspicious Muhurat: Performing Holika Dahan after 10:22 PM is considered appropriate.
Activities to Avoid During Bhadrakaal
Avoid auspicious activities – Marriages, housewarmings, and mundan ceremonies are prohibited during this time.
Avoid travel – According to religious beliefs, traveling during Bhadrakaal is considered inauspicious.
Refrain from financial transactions – Investments or loans during this time may lead to financial losses.
Postpone new purchases – Avoid buying vehicles, property, jewelry, or any significant items.
Postpone important decisions – Businessmen should avoid finalizing any crucial deals during this period.
Activities to Perform During Bhadrakaal
Worship the family deity – This is considered highly auspicious for the family's prosperity.
Chant mantras – Reciting mantras of Lord Vishnu and Shani Dev helps dispel negativity.
Perform charity – Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy during this time yields auspicious results.
Strengthen relationships – Gifting a sister or maternal aunt strengthens family bonds and ensures peace at home.
Holika Dahan: Religious Significance and Benefits
Holika Dahan is considered a symbol of the end of negativity and evil forces. On this day, people symbolically burn their bad habits and negative thoughts in the fire of Holika, resolving to begin life anew. Performing Holika Dahan during the auspicious muhurat brings positivity and prosperity to life.
Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Bath and Sankalp (resolution) – Begin by taking a bath, wearing clean clothes, and making a vow for the fast.
Purification of the Holika Dahan site – Purify the worship area by applying cow dung and arrange wood and fuel.
Installation of Holika and Prahlad idols – Worship them with water, vermillion, turmeric, rice, and flowers.
Offerings – While circumambulating Holika, offer water, coconut, jaggery, raw mangoes, chickpeas, wheat, coconut, and sugarcane.
Holika Dahan – Light the fire according to the muhurat and add coconut, incense, and guggul.
Circumambulation and prayer – Circumambulate and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes.
Bhasma Tilak – After the Holika fire cools down, bring its ashes home and apply it as a tilak on your forehead; this is considered auspicious.
The Legend of Holika Dahan
The story of Holika Dahan is associated with the devotee Prahlad and his father, Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu was the king of the demons, who, through severe penance, obtained the boon of immortality from Brahma. He became an enemy of Lord Vishnu, but his son Prahlad was a devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu made many attempts to kill Prahlad, but each time he was saved.
Finally, he called upon his sister Holika, who had a boon that fire could not burn her. Holika sat in the burning fire with Prahlad in her lap, but by the grace of Lord Vishnu, Holika was burnt to ashes, and Prahlad emerged unharmed. This event became a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood, marking the beginning of the Holika Dahan tradition.
