Holi, the festival of colours, marks the arrival of the spring. The festival is all things colourful. A day ahead of the Holi, people observe Holika Dahan, which marks the onset of colourful festivities. This year, Holika Dahan is slated to be celebrated on March 24.
According to astrologer Pandit Manohar Acharya, this year’s Holika Dahan will take place at night on March 24. Explaining the right time for performing Holika Dahan, he says that it will start after 10:35 pm on March 24. Bhadra Kaal is scheduled to begin from morning to 10:35 pm on the same day. During this time, it is prohibited to perform any kind of auspicious work or even worship god.
Holika Dahan: Significance
The festival primarily commemorates the burning of the evil Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, who attempted to burn her nephew Prahlad in a bonfire. Holika was immune from fire. Despite this, she was the one who was immolated and not Prahlad. This marks the triumph of good over evil and the victory of devotion over wickedness.
Holika Dahan: History
Holika Dahan is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be centred around the story of demon king Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad. Hiranyakashyap, a tyrant, believed himself to be the most powerful being in the universe and wanted everyone to worship him. Conversely, Prahlad was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. This enraged the king who, out of angst, decided to kill his son with the help of his sister, Holika. She, in an attempt to kill Prahlad, tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her, hoping that he would die.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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