In the Hindu culture, the folklores of the triumph of good over evil are often celebrated with great enthusiasm. Holi is a festival that exemplifies the same. The story of Holika Dahan, also known as 'Choti Holi', commemorates the spirit of goodness as it marks the death of demoness 'Holika'.
Holika Dahan' is celebrated an evening before the colorful festival of 'Holi'. According to Hindu scriptures, Holika Dahan must be performed during the 'Pradosh Kaal', which is after sunset as the Purnimasi Tithi starts.
Holika Dahan 2020: The Legend of the Good Over Evil
The legend of Holika, Prahlad, and Hiranyakashyap tells us the story of good and evil. According to the legend, Hiranyakashyap, a demon emperor, who was intoxicated by the desire to be immortal, wanted his citizens to put their faith in him. But his own son, Prahlad, disagreed with him who was a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Hiranyakashyap left no stone unturned to stop him from worshipping Lord Vishnu but nothing could stop him. Even his wicked father tried to kill him several times, but yet, Prahlad's faith in Lord Vishnu would not let him succeed in his intentions. Then, Hirankashyap plan out to send his sister Holika, who had a heavenly blessing of being immune to fire, to kill his son. He made Prahlad sit in Holika's lap and then set the two on the blaze. But Lord Vishnu's blessings didn't affect Prahlad at all, instead, Holika got burnt, even with her being immune to fire. And this legend becomes the tradition of Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan Celebration:
Holika Dahan is celebrated by burning a heap of material like a log of small wood branches, dried leaves, twigs that are combustible. The preparation for Holika Dahan begins quite earlier before the actual celebration. People start collecting wood and other material until it becomes a heap and put them in the parks or open spaces so that it could burn properly. The puja is usually performed at homes. At the top of the heap, the effigy of Prahlad and Holika are put. While Prahlad's effigy is made from non-combustible material, Holika's effigy is made from combustible material to represent the legend behind the festival.
Holika Dahan Timings 2021
This year special yoga is being built on Holi, due to which the importance of Holi is increasing. Holi is celebrated every year on the Pratipada date of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. This year, Dhruv Yoga is being built on the day of Holi.
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Shubh Muhurta- Phalgun Purnima 2021
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Purnima Date Start- March 28, 2021 at 03:27
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Purnima Date ends- March 29, 2021 at 00:17
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Holika Dahan Muhurta- 18:37 to 20:56
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Duration- 02 hours 20 minutes
