With Holi just around the corner, celebrations for the festival have already begun. There is a feeling of enthusiasm among people as they prepare to play the auspicious festival of colours with their friends and family.

Ahead of Holi, Holika Dahan, a ritual that symbolises the victory of good over evil is performed.

The Holika bonfire, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and happiness over grief, is lit by devotees the night before Holi to kick off the festival of colours. Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, also called Holika Deepak, occurs every year a day before Holi.

Choti Holi and Holika Dahan will be observed on March 7 (Tuesday). It should be performed during Pradosh Kaal (which starts after sunset) while Purnimasi Tithi is prevailing, as per Hindu beliefs.

Holika Dahan 2023 Significance

In Hindu mythology, a demon king by the name of Hiranyakashipu once opposed his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu consequently asked his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. However, when Holika attempted to kill Prahlad by throwing him into a bonfire, she herself was burned by the flames, but Prahlada was saved and protected by Lord Vishnu.

Holika Dahan is performed on the night before Holi. People congregate in public places on Holika Dahan and light bonfires to represent the destruction of evil. Also, they worship Lord Vishnu and pray to him in order to get his blessings.

Holika is made up of wood, cow dung cakes and other combustible materials.

During this festival, people put tilaks with holi colours on each other’s foreheads. Holika Dahan has cultural significance in addition to its religious significance.

Sweets and munchies are shared among people while playing with coloured powders and water. Basically, Holika Dahan is a significant Hindu event that represents the victory of good over evil. This is an opportunity for people to get together, pray together, and celebrate with their loved ones.

The festival of Holi celebrates the spirit of inclusiveness and humanity heralds the onset of spring after winter in the Indian subcontinent. The festival marks the victory of good over evil is celebrated on two days – Holika Dahan and Holi Milan.