The festival usually falls between February and March every year and represents the triumph of good over evil.
The ceremonial bonfire known as Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi,
is celebrated with immense devotion on the full moon night (Purnima) of the Phalguna month.
Holika Dahan Muhurat 2025
Holika Dahan will be performed on the day of Falgun Shukla Purnima, which falls on March 13 this year. The Shubh Muhurat for Holika Dahan falls between 11.26 pm on Thursday and 12.30 am on Friday, according to Drik Panchang.
Holika Dahan 2025 Rituals
The Holika Dahan ceremony celebrates the story of Prahlad and Holika, where Prahlad is saved from the flames by a supernatural power.
Days before the celebration, young children gather fallen wood, leaves, twigs, and other items needed to light the bonfire as part of the first step of Holika Dahan.
Some communities create effigies of Holika and burn them on bonfires as a sign of eradicating evil from their life.
The act of burning Holika’s effigy represents the purifying of the mind and soul and is performed as a spiritual cleansing and prelude to the Holi festivities.
Vedic prayers and mantras are performed while the fire is ignited to purify the area and call forth celestial blessings.
People make a variety of offerings. They recite ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra when the fire is ignited.
Devotees offer grains, coconuts, and other objects as they walk around the fire to show gratitude and dedication.
The ashes from the bonfire are commonly used as a sign of protection since they are believed to have protective characteristics.
Holika Dahan is characterised by profound symbolism and valued customs. It prepares the way for the vibrant Holi celebrations by bringing people together in happiness and harmony.
People celebrate Holi with colours, gulaal, water, sweets, and more, the following day after Holika Dahan. They can play with colour per their wish because it does not have a set muhurat.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
