Holika Dahan 2025: This age-old custom honors the triumph of good over evil by burning an effigy of the legendary demon Holika.
Holika Dahan 2025: The eve of the colorful Holi festival is Holika Dahan, also called Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi. An effigy of the legendary demon Holika is burned in this age-old ceremony to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. A major prelude to Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Phalgun. The ceremony honors Hindu mythology’s account of Lord Vishnu’s victory over Holika.
The Holika Dahan Legend
The devotion of his son Prahlada to Lord Vishnu infuriated the demon ruler Hiranyakashipu. He took Prahlada to a campfire and gave his sister Holika instructions to kill him. Holika tried to murder Prahlada while shielded from the flames by a miraculous shawl. But Prahlada was saved when Vishnu stepped in and blew the shawl off Holika. The burning of Holika to ashes represented the triumph of good over evil.
Purpose of Holika Dahan
The victory of good over evil, as represented in the Prahlada and Holika tales, is celebrated on Holika Dahan.
Devotees are encouraged to hold fast to their faith by Prahlada’s unshakable devotion to Lord Vishnu in the face of fatal danger.
Additionally, the event heralds the approach of spring, which represents rebirth and fresh starts.
As people gather to take part in the rites, Holika Dahan reinforces the principles of morality, devotion, and harmony while strengthening social relationships and fostering a sense of community.
The Holika Dahan rituals
Devotees honor the spirit of Holika by chanting holy mantras while a bonfire burns during the Holika Dahan festival, which is meant to bring happiness and tranquility. During the rite, people carry water vessels around the campfire three, five, or seven times before emptying them after the last circuit.
Following the ceremony, followers eat roasted or baked seasonal crops and apply Tilac to their foreheads. Furthermore, some devotees believe that carrying a small amount of the Holika ash home is an auspicious practice that brings prosperity and good fortune.
