Holika Dahan ritual
Holika Dahan is celebrated by burning Holika, an asuri, a demoness. For many traditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil. In 2024, Holika Dahan date is March 24.
According to the tradition, people contribute a piece of wood or two for the Holika bonfire, and this represents Holika being consumed by the fire in which she tried to kill her nephew Prahlad, a devotee of God Vishnu and thus Holi gets its name. A similar holiday is Holi where people get to gather and often repair broken relationships.
Days before the festival people start gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples and other open spaces. On top of the pyre is an effigy to signify Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside homes, people stock up on color pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other regional delicacies.
On the eve of Holi, typically at or after sunset, the pyre is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance around the fire. People also perform Parikrama (Pradakshina) of fire.
And there is a tradition of number of Pradakshina and the material to be put by the devotees based on their Rashi. This tradition is prevalent in Gujarat and few parts of North India.
Holika Pradakshina & Material to Present to Holi based on Rashi (Rashi – Number of Pradakshinas – Items to put in Holi)
- Mesha Rashi – 5 Pradakshinas – Jaggery
- Vrishabha Rashi – 4 Pradakshinas – Mishri (Rock Sugar, Sugar Crystals, Crystal Sugar)
- Mithuna Rashi – 3 Pradakshinas – Wheat
- Karka Rashi – 2 Pradakshinas – Rice and White Sesame
- Simha Rashi – 1 Pradakshinas – Loban Dhoop
- Kanya Rashi – 12 Pradakshinas – Betel Leaves & Cardamom
- Tula Rashi – 11 Pradakshinas – Camphor
- Vrischika Rashi – 10 Pradakshinas – Jaggery
- Dhanu Rashi – 9 Pradakshinas – Bengal Gram
- Makara Rashi – 8 Pradakshinas – Black sesame
- Kumbha Rashi – 7 Pradakshinas – Black Mustard
- Meena Rashi – 6 Pradakshinas – Yellow Mustard
Holika Dahan 2024 date | Time of Holika Dahan during Holi Festival