24th March 2024, Sunday – Holika Dahan
The night before the main festival of Holi is Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi or the eve of Holi, a major Hindu festival. The festival, which is widely observed, represents the triumph of good over evil.
What is Holika Dahan?
A Hindu rite called Holika Dahan is carried out the night before Holi. Holika Dahan will be commemorated on March 24, 2024, in 2024. The phrase “burning of Holika” alludes to Holika Dahan. This event has to do with Lord Vishnu’s devotee Prahalad, the son of Asura king Hiranyakashyap, and his asura aunt Holika.
Why do we celebrate Holika Dahan?
Holika Dahan is celebrated because it is thought to represent the triumph of good over evil and that everyone will be free from all problems. Hindu mythology states that Prahlad, the son of Asura king Hiranyakashyap, is the origin of the Holika Dahan story.
Lord Vishnu was worshipped by Prahlad, but Hiranyakashyap opposed his son and tried to stop him on several occasions but was unsuccessful. Then he invited Holika, his sister, who was blessed to never burn in a fire, to join Prahlad in the fire.
However, Holika perished in the fire while Pahlad kept chanting Lord Vishnu’s name and was spared by his grace.
What is the Significance of Holika Dahan?
Celebrates the victory of good over evil
To honor the triumph of good over evil, people celebrate the Holika Dahan festival. It is thought that Lord Brahma granted the demon king Hiranyakashipu the boon that no human, animal, or deity could ever kill him.
But the demon king’s sister Holika was blessed with fire immunity, and his own son Prahlad was a follower of Lord Vishnu. Holika was burned in the fire, but Prahlad was spared from the demon king’s grasp thanks to his unwavering devotion to and faith in Lord Vishnu.
Promotes unity and harmony
Holika Dahan encourages harmony and togetherness among people. It’s a festival where people forget their differences and unite to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. People of all ages and backgrounds gather during this time to celebrate and take in the festivities of the festival.
Signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter.
March, when Holika Dahan is observed, is when the winter season comes to an end and the spring season begins. The festival honors the arrival of spring and the flowering season.
Eliminates negative and malicious energy
On the eve of Holi, people light bonfires in an attempt to purge the air of negativity and evil energy. To clear the air and eliminate bad energy, people throw dry leaves, wooden logs, and other combustible materials into the fire.
Brings people closer to God
Holika Dahan is a time when people seek the blessings of God and become closer to him. People pray to Lord Vishnu, asking for his blessings on happiness, wealth, and health.
How Holika Dahan is celebrated?
Holika Dahan is typically done outside by a bonfire at night. For the Holika Dahan ritual, a few additional items are required, along with cow dung and Agarbatti.
Cow dung is also used to create idols of Holika and Prahlad. Following the completion of the arrangements, people begin to walk around the bonfire in groups or individually for three, four, or seven rounds, carrying a water vessel. Following the ritual, participants smear each other with gulal powder.
Conclusion
Holika Dahan is an important festival that heralds the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, as well as encouraging harmony and unity. The celebration also draws people nearer to God and purges negative and evil energy.