Holika Dahan 2025: City-wise muhurat & timings for Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more
Holi, the most colourful festival of India, is so much more than a rainbow explosion. An integral ritual prior to the festive outburst of Holi is Holika Dahan, which signifies the victory of good over evil. This holy ritual, which takes place on the night of Holi, includes the burning of a bonfire to honor an ancient mythological story that enshrines righteousness and piety. Holika Dahan is not merely a religious tradition but a ritual purification that marks the destruction of evil forces, bad luck, and negativity.
Holika Dahan will be observed on the night of Thursday, March 13, in 2025, and Holi, the festival of colors, will be on Friday, March 14. The ceremony has to be conducted at the most favorable time, which is Pradosh Kaal, so that its spiritual goodness gets amplified. The muhurat for Holika Dahan is different in each city, but the best time should be between 11:26 PM on March 13 and 12:30 AM on March 14 in most cities.
The Mythological Significance of Holika Dahan
The root of Holika Dahan is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology and the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu, the king of demons, hated Lord Vishnu and wanted everyone to pray to him as a god instead. His son Prahlad, however, was a committed believer of Vishnu and never accepted his father as a god. Furious at his son’s refusal to obey him, Hiranyakashipu devised several plans to kill Prahlad but could not succeed thanks to divine protection.
As a last measure, the king’s sister Holika, who was given a boon of being fire-proof, plotted to burn Prahlad alive. She got him to sit on a pyre with her, thinking that the flames would burn him while she would not be affected. But because of his unshakable faith in Lord Vishnu, Prahlad survived unhurt, and Holika was burned alive. This historical event marks the greatest victory of righteousness, piety, and divine grace over pride and wickedness.
Rituals and Customs of Holika Dahan
In the evening of Holika Dahan, masses sit by the bonfires and conduct religious rituals. Wood, twigs, and grains are placed in the fire as a symbolic offering of letting go of obstacles and negativity. Roli (holy red powder), rice, turmeric, moong dal, and batasha (sugar candy) are the most popular offerings. The devotees recite mantras, pray for good fortune, and ask for divine favors.
The Holika dahan signifies the elimination of the evil forces, enabling individuals and society to find happiness, peace, and fresh starts. Relatives gather together for this ceremony to reaffirm the culture of brotherhood and cultural tradition.
Muhurat and Timings for Major Cities
Since the timing of Holika Dahan varies across different locations, it is recommended to check the city-wise muhurat to ensure participation at the right moment. The ideal time for the ritual in most cities is expected to begin at 11:26 PM on March 13, lasting for about one hour and four minutes. Here are the tentative timings for major Indian cities:
New Delhi & Gurgaon – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:30 AM, March 14
Mumbai – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:48 AM, March 14
Kolkata – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 11:46 PM, March 13
Pune – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:44 AM, March 14
Chennai – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:18 AM, March 14
Hyderabad – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:25 AM, March 14
Ahmedabad – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:49 AM, March 14
Noida & Bengaluru – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:29 AM, March 14
Jaipur – 11:26 PM, March 13 to 12:36 AM, March 14
These times are calculated based on Drik Panchang and might differ slightly based on local practices. Checking with a Hindu priest or reading a Panchang that applies to your city is recommended for the best times.
The Spirit of Holi After Holika Dahan
After Holika Dahan, Holi is observed with great joy and enthusiasm. Individuals apply gulal (colored powder) to one another, splash water, and enjoy festive sweets such as gujiya and thandai. The festival represents harmony, bliss, and the shattering of social barriers, uniting people irrespective of caste, creed, or status.
Holika Dahan is a reminder that righteousness will always triumph and that devotion and faith can guard against adversity. As you make preparations to celebrate Holi in 2025, make sure that you take part in Holika Dahan at the correct time to be able to enjoy its spiritual and cultural importance.
Wishing you a happy, colourful, and blessed Holi 2025!
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Published: March 12, 2025 7:08 PM IST 
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