Holika Dahan Muhurat: [Delhi]
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 11:13 pm – 12:27 am 25 March 2024
Holi, the festival of colors, is a major festival celebrated in India. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the full moon day(Purnima) of Phagun month. Holi festival is celebrated for 3 days in North India. After Diwali, Holi is the biggest festival of Hindus. According to beliefs, this festival originated from Prahladpuri Temple, Pakistan. The word Holika originates from the name of Prahlad's aunt Holika.
Holika Dahan has special significance in the festival of Holi. Holika Dahan is also known as 'Chhoti' Holi, 'Basant Purnima' and 'Phalgun Purnima'. Holika Dahan is known as 'Dahan' in South India. Holika Dahan is performed after sunset. Holi is played with both dry and wet colors on the next day of Holika Dahan.
Dhulendi is celebrated the next day after Holika Dahan. On this day, people play Holi with wet and dry colors as well as with water-filled water cannons. Dhulandi is also known as Dhuleti.
Dooj is celebrated on the second day of Dhulendi. Holi is played for two days in the Braj region. On the evening of the second day, people dress up well, wear new clothes, and go to meet their relatives and friends. During this time there is also a custom of offering sweets to friends and family.
'Holi Milan' started from this tradition. This day is also known as 'Bhai Dooj', 'Bhratri Dwitiya', and 'Duji'.
The festival of Holi is celebrated on the fifth day of Chaitra month. There are various reasons behind celebrating this festival related to different areas. Also, this festival is celebrated in many ways. In the Braj region, Rang Panchami is celebrated as the culmination of the 5-day Holi program. People in Indore like to celebrate this festival by painting themselves in the colors of the world-famous 'Ger'. A crowd of 15 crore people gather to celebrate Holi in this way. In Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. A dish called 'Puranpoli' is specially prepared on this day.
Hiranyakashipu had banned the people in his kingdom from taking the name of God and had declared himself the king and supreme. But Hiranyakashipu's son Prahlad did not accept his father's advice and worshiped the preserver deity- Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika was blessed with a boon that she would never be destroyed in a fire. Hiranyakashipu issued orders that Holika would sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap. But after sitting in the fire, Holika was burnt to ashes while Prahlad remained alive due to god’s grace. This showed the victory of good over evil and since then Holi has been celebrated. This story is considered the basis behind celebrating the festival of Holi.