Holika Dahan, celebrated on the Phalgun Shukla Purnima, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. This festival is considered highly significant religiously, spiritually, and culturally. In 2025, Holika Dahan will be observed on Thursday, March 13th.
Holika Dahan 2025: Auspicious Muhurat
This year, the auspicious time for Holika Dahan is from 11:26 PM to 12:30 AM. It is important to note that the ritual should not be performed during Bhadra (an inauspicious period), as it is considered unlucky to perform Holika Dahan during Bhadra.
Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
* Take a bath in the morning and make a vow for the fast.
* Purify the Holika Dahan site and establish the Holika using wood, cow dung cakes, and dry grass.
* Perform the ritualistic worship of Lord Narasimha, Holika, and Prahlad.
* Light the fire in the Holika during the auspicious time and offer wheat, gram stalks, barley, coconuts, etc.
* Circumambulate the Holika three or seven times and pray for the well-being and prosperity of your family.
* Applying the ashes of the Holika to the body and keeping some at home is believed to ward off negative energy.
* To remove Vastu defects, keep some ashes in the Agni Kona (southeast direction).
* Partake in meals only after the Holika Dahan ceremony.
Mantras for Holika Dahan
* Holika Puja Mantra – Ahkuta bhayatrastai: krta tvam holi balishai: atasvam pujayisyaami bhutim-bhutim pradhayiniam.
* Mantra for Applying Ashes – Vanditasis surendrena brahma na sankarena ca. Atastvam pahi mam devi! Bhutim bhutiprada bhava.
The Mythological Story Behind Holika Dahan
In ancient times, Prahlad, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu, while his father considered himself superior to God. Hiranyakashipu made many attempts to dissuade Prahlad from his devotion to Vishnu but failed. Finally, he ordered his sister Holika to sit in a fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon that protected her from being burned by fire.
When Holika sat in the fire with Prahlad, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, Holika was reduced to ashes, while Prahlad remained unharmed. Since then, the tradition of Holika Dahan, burning the evil, has continued.
Do's and Don'ts
* After Holika Dahan, see the moon; it is believed to ward off the fear of untimely death.
* Give children wooden swords and shields to encourage bravery.
* Spend the day joyfully and prepare special dishes to share with your family.
* Do not disrespect the fire of Holika; it is considered inauspicious.
* Those observing a fast should abstain from Tamasic food (food that is considered heavy and dull).
Beliefs Associated with Holika Dahan
* It destroys negative energy and evil forces.
* It brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home and family.
* It is considered the best day to remove Vastu defects.
* The festival of Holi, a celebration of love and joy, is played the day after Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan is not merely a religious ritual; it conveys the message of the victory of good over evil. This year, in 2025, by performing Holika Dahan during the auspicious time, you can bring happiness, prosperity, and positivity into your life.
