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Saturday, March 4, 2023

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the night before the festival of Holi. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. On this day, people gather together in open spaces and light a bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The bonfire is known as Holika and is made of wood, cow dung cakes, and other combustible materials. People offer prayers and make offerings of food and sweets to the fire.

The story behind Holika Dahan dates back to Hindu mythology. According to the legend, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was granted a boon that made him invincible. He became arrogant and ordered everyone to worship him instead of God. However, his own son Prahlad refused to do so and continued to worship Lord Vishnu. This enraged Hiranyakashipu and he ordered his sister Holika, who had the power to withstand fire, to enter a burning pyre with Prahlad on her lap.

However, Lord Vishnu intervened and saved Prahlad while Holika was burnt to death. This event is believed to symbolize the victory of good over evil and the burning of Holika's effigy in the bonfire represents the destruction of evil. Holika Dahan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is considered an important part of the Holi festival. It is a time for people to come together, forgive and forget past grievances, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

What is Holika Dahan?

Holika Dahan is a Hindu festival celebrated on the night before the festival of Holi. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March.

Why is Holika Dahan celebrated?

Holika Dahan is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the story of Prahlad and his devotion to Lord Vishnu and the destruction of Holika who was trying to harm Prahlad.

How is Holika Dahan celebrated?

On this day, people gather together in open spaces and light a bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The bonfire is known as Holika and is made of wood, cow dung cakes, and other combustible materials. People offer prayers and make offerings of food and sweets to the fire.

What is the significance of Holika Dahan?

Holika Dahan signifies the triumph of good over evil and the importance of faith and devotion to God. It also symbolizes the coming of spring and the renewal of life.

What is the difference between Holika Dahan and Holi?

Holika Dahan is celebrated on the night before Holi, which is the festival of colors. Holi is celebrated on the day after Holika Dahan when people smear colored powder and water on each other, sing and dance, and exchange sweets and gifts.

Story Related Holika Dahan


The story related to Holika Dahan is rooted in Hindu mythology and revolves around the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahlad. According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu had become arrogant and believed that he was invincible. He had been granted a boon that made him immune to death from any human, animal, or god. He began to demand that everyone worship him instead of the gods, but his own son Prahlad continued to worship Lord Vishnu.


Hiranyakashipu became furious with his son and made several attempts to kill him, but Prahlad remained unharmed due to Lord Vishnu's protection. Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika, who had a boon to remain unburnt in fire, was asked to sit on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap. Hiranyakashipu believed that Holika would protect Prahlad from the fire, and he would be able to kill him.

However, as the pyre was lit, Holika was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad remained unharmed due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu. This event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of Prahlad's faith over Hiranyakashipu's arrogance. The story also signifies that no power on earth can defeat the power of faith, and that good always triumphs over evil. The burning of Holika's effigy in the bonfire during Holika Dahan represents the destruction of evil and the triumph of good over it.


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