होलिका दहन
Holika Dahan
The bonfire on Phalguna Purnima night that burns away evil, the evening before Holi.
About Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi, is lit on the night of Phalguna Purnima. The bonfire stands for the victory of devotion over evil.
The fire is lit in Pradosh Kaal after sunset, avoiding Bhadra. Families circle the fire, offer new grain and coconut, and take its ash home as a blessing.
How to celebrate
Gather wood and cow-dung cakes at a crossroads or open ground in the days before.
Do Holika puja with roli, rice, flowers, raw cotton thread and coconut.
Wind the cotton thread around the pyre while circling it.
Light the fire after sunset and roast new wheat and gram in it.
The story
King Hiranyakashipu wanted his son Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu, killed. His sister Holika, who could not be burned, sat in a fire with Prahlad on her lap. She burned and Prahlad came out unharmed.
Questions
When is Holika Dahan in 2027?
Holika Dahan 2027 is on Sunday, 21 March 2027. Purnima tithi begins at 6:21 PM on Sunday 21 March and ends at 4:14 PM on Monday 22 March IST.
What is the Holika Dahan puja time in 2027?
In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal is from 6:32 PM to 8:54 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why is Bhadra avoided for Holika Dahan?
Bhadra is considered inauspicious for this ritual. When Bhadra covers the evening, the fire is lit after it ends.
Is Holika Dahan the same as Chhoti Holi?
Yes. The bonfire night is called Chhoti Holi, and the colours are played the next day.
Around Holika Dahan
Coming up
- Saphala EkadashiSun 3 Jan
- LohriThu 14 Jan
- Makar SankrantiFri 15 Jan
- PongalFri 15 Jan
- Pausha Putrada EkadashiMon 18 Jan
- Shattila EkadashiTue 2 Feb
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