Holika Dahan: India is a diverse nation, and many festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Festivals bring joy, happiness and unity in one’s life. It gives them a break from their monotonous schedule. One of the major Hindu festivals, ‘Holi’ is just round the corner and everyone is gearing up for the festival of colours. Holi brings the message of togetherness and the promise of a better tomorrow. Every year Holi is celebrated in two days, which are celebrated as ‘Chhoti Holi’ or Holika Dahan and ‘Badi Holi’ or Dhulandi, which is also famous as ‘Rang Wali Holi’.
This year too it will be celebrated on 7th and 8th March to commemorate the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha and to mark the victory of good over evil. However, this year there is confusion about whether Chhoti Holi will fall on March 6 or 7. So, here’s everything you need to know about Holi 2023.
‘Where is Holi? Where is Holi?
According to Drik Panchang, Choti Holi or Holika Dahan falls on March 7, 2023. The Holika Dahan mahurat will begin at 06:24 pm and will end at 08:51 pm on March 7. Meanwhile, Badi Holi/Dhulandi or Rang Wali Holi will be celebrated on March 8.
However, the Purnima Tithi will start at 04:17 PM on March 6 and end at 06:09 PM on March 7.
Also Read: Holi 2023: How To Choose Skin-Friendly Gulal This Festival Of Colors
Holika Dahan 2023: Date, Puja Timings, Vidhi, Samagri and Significance
Holika Dahan date
Holika Dahan is done to symbolize the victory of good over evil. This year Holika Dahan is on 7th March.
Holika Dahan Puja Timings:
According to Drik Panchang, here’s the city-wise mahurat of Holika Dahan:
Delhi-NCR – 06:24-08:51 PM
Chandigarh – 06:25 pm – 08:53 pm
Sun – 06:42 PM – 09:07 PM
Chennai – 06:18 pm – 08:43 pm
Kolkata – 05:42 pm – 06:09 pm
Hyderabad – 06:24 pm – 08:49 pm
Ahmedabad – 06:45 pm – 09:11 pm
Jaipur – 06:31-08:58 pm
Mumbai – 06:46 pm – 09:11 pm
Bengaluru – 06:29 pm – 08:54 pm
Holika Burning Puja Method:
Devotees perform Holika Puja in the late evening or late at night by lighting a bonfire. Here people worship the place where the wood is collected for Holika Dahan, wrap the wood three or seven times with white thread, and sprinkle holy water, kumkum and flowers on it. Also, people roast ‘Hara Chana’ (chickpeas) as a ritual on Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan Puja Samagri:
To perform Holika Dahan Puja, here is the list of things you need:
A glass of water, flowers, roli, gulaal, besan ladoo, wheat baaliyan, Hara Chana (Chholiya), jaggery, and garland made of cow dung and rice (akshat).
Choti Holi 2023: Holika Dahan History/Significance:
The festival of colors takes us back to Hindu mythology where Hiranyakashipu tried everything possible to kill his son Prahlad. Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu which was not accepted at all by his demon father Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad several times but failed every time. So, in the end, Prahlad’s aunt (Hiranyakashipu’s sister) Holika intervened and tried to help her brother kill Prahlad. They set a trap where Holika would sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap.
However, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, Prahlad escaped unhurt, while Holika was burnt to death. Hence to commemorate the victory of good over evil, the first day of Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to symbolize victory.
(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general information and is not a substitute for expert advice. Zee News does not confirm the same.)