Holika Dahan 2019: Importance, Significance, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi And Mantra of The Festival Before Holi

Know The Importance, History, Puja Timings And Mantra of Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan is celebrated a day prior Holi to symbolize that truth prevails over evil. On this day, a bonfire is lit with people singing and dancing around the fire. People also perform parikrama of fire. This year, Holika Dahan is on March 20. Holika Dahan is celebrated to burn Holika (the devil).

Know the timings here:

According to Hindu mythology, Holika Dahan must be performed at a specific time on the Purnima Tithi only after the Sunset. However, the exact time for Holika Dahan varies from state to state across India.

Holika Dahan Timing 2019 – 20:57 to 24:28+ hours

Holika Dahan Duration – 3 Hour 30 Mins

Bhadra Punchha – 17:23 to 18:24 hours

Bhadra Mukha – 18:24 to 20:07 hours

Significance and Importance

Holika Dahan is also called Chhoti Holi, the festival marks the death of Holika and the victory of Prahlad who walked out of fire unhurt without a scratch. According to the legend, Holika had a boon which protected her from getting burnt. In order to kill Prahlad, she sat with him on her lap in a bonfire but to everyone’s astonishment, she got burnt alive and Prahlad emerged unhurt. Holi, like every other festival, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and every year. Therefore, Hindus celebrate Holika Dahan to commemorate this event.

Many people apply colors on each others’ face to begin the festivities of Holi. It’s just to mark the celebration of Choti Holi.

Celebrations

Preparations for Holika Dahan begin weeks before as people start collecting wood and other material for lighting beacon near the temples, in parks or open spaces. Basically, the wood is placed at a known place on Basant Panchami festival. People do the puja at homes but in some places, the puja is performed at the place of Holika Dahan. There are many people who take roasted barley from the Holika fire and people take it back home for good luck and fortune.

Watch the Mantra of Holika Dahan: