New Delhi: The vibrant festival of Holi is right around the corner, and the celebrations begin with Holika Dahan, a symbolic burning of evil. This year, Holika Dahan falls on March 24th, marking the victory of good over evil and ushering in the joyous celebration of colours on the following day, March 25th.
However, there’s a twist in the tale this year! Holika Dahan coincides with the shadow of Bhadra, which is considered inauspicious for certain rituals.
But worry not, fellow celebrants, we’ve got you covered! Let’s delve deeper into the significance of Holika Dahan, the auspicious timings for performing the rituals, and the do’s and don’ts associated with this vibrant tradition.
The Enchanting Story Behind Holika Dahan
The legend of Holika Dahan narrates the tale of Prahlad, a devout boy who defied his father, the demon king Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap, consumed by his own power, wished to be immortal. Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, refused to accept his father’s inflated ego and remained steadfast in his faith.
This infuriated Hiranyakashyap, who hatched a plan to kill his own son. He enlisted the help of his sister Holika, who possessed a magical cloak that rendered her immune to fire. Prahlad, on the other hand, remained unfazed and continued to chant hymns to Lord Vishnu.
As Holika, clad in the cloak, sat on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap, a miracle occurred. A strong gust of wind blew the cloak away, engulfing Holika in flames instead. Prahlad, protected by his unwavering devotion, emerged unscathed from the fire. This event signifies the triumph of good over evil, and Holika Dahan commemorates this victory by symbolically burning an effigy of Holika, representing the burning away of negativity.
Navigating the Shadow of Bhadra: When to Perform Holika Dahan in 2024
This year, Holika Dahan falls under the shadow of Bhadra, which is considered an inauspicious period for undertaking certain rituals. The shadow of Bhadra will prevail from 9:24 am to 10:27 pm on March 24th. Therefore, to ensure an auspicious Holika Dahan, the puja and burning of the pyre should be performed only after 10:27 pm.
The Shubh Muhurat (Auspicious Time) for Holika Dahan 2024
The auspicious window for performing Holika Dahan this year is between 11:13 pm and 12:27 pm on March 24th. It’s recommended to consult your local pandit (priest) for the most precise timing specific to your location.
Preparing for the Holika Dahan Puja: Essential Elements
Holika Dahan is incomplete without a dedicated puja (worship ceremony) performed before the fire is lit. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need for the puja:
- Puja Thali: A decorated plate to hold the offerings.
- Kalash: A sacred pot filled with water and adorned with mango leaves.
- Cow Dung Cakes: Used to create a small platform for the offerings.
- Roli and Akshat: A mixture of red powder and rice grains used for auspicious markings.
- Incense Sticks: To create a fragrant and pious atmosphere.
- Fruits and Flowers: Fresh offerings for the deities.
- Sweets: A sweet treat to mark the joyous occasion.
- Kalava (Sacred Thread): Worn on the wrist as a symbol of protection and good luck.
- Batasha (Sugar Candy): Offered as prasad (blessed food) after the puja.
- Gulal Powder: Colored powder used for a symbolic sprinkling during the puja.
- Coconut: A whole coconut offered to the deities.
- Lump of Turmeric: Considered auspicious and used for purification rituals.
- Moong Dal and Whole Grains: Offered as symbolic food items.
Holika Dahan Rituals: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cleanse the Puja Area: Begin by cleaning the designated area for the puja.
- Prepare the Holika Structure: Build a pyre using dry wood or other combustible materials. Avoid using wood from mango, banyan, or peepal trees as they are considered sacred.
- Set Up the Puja Thali: Arrange the puja items on the thali as mentioned above.
- Invoke the Deities: Chant mantras to invoke Lord Vishnu
