Holi celebrations are already in full swing. Colours, music, and bhang can be breathed in the air across India. Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is one of the most important Hindu festivals.
On this day, people set up bonfires and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Holika Dahan 2022: Date
Holika Dahan falls on the full moon night of Phalgun month every year, as per the Hindu calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on March 17.
Holika Dahan 2022: Shubh Muhurat
- Holika Dahan 2022 shubh muhurat: March 17, 9:06 pm to 10:16 pm
- Bhadra Punchha: 9:06 pm to 10:16 pm
- Bhadra Mukha: 10:16 pm on March 17 to 12:10 am on March 18
- Holika Dahan 2022 sunset: 6:32 pm on March 17 (Pradosh begins)
- Purnima Tithi: 1:29 pm on March 17 to 12:47 pm on March 18
Holika Dahan 2022: Significance
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According to Hindu mythology, demon King Hiranyakashyap envied Lord Vishnu and wanted his son Prahalad to worship him instead. Upon refusal, Hiranyakashyap planned to kill Prahlada and asked her sister Holika to lure his son to sit with her in a huge bonfire.
Holika had a shawl that protected her from fire. However, when the bonfire lit, Lord Vishnu summoned a gut of wind that blew away the shawl and burnt Holika. Lord Vishu guarded Prahalad and saved his life. To celebrate the victory of good over evil and the death of Holika, every year, Hindus mark this day. The Holika Puja is performed in the evening and ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, rice, kumkum, grains, flowers, jaggery, and gulal is burnt in the bonfire. It is believed that on this day, people should not lend money as it is considered inauspicious.
One of the most important practices on the next day of Holika Dahan is to collect the ashes of the bonfire and smear them on the body.
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