Holi is one of the highly celebrated festivals throughout India. The festival is full of colours and brightness, there’s more to it. There’s a significant reason why we celebrate Holi in the first place.
Why Do We Celebrate Choti Holi?
A day before Holi, people celebrate Choti Holi also known as Holika Dahan. This year people will celebrate Holi on March 18, while Holika Dahan will be celebrated the day before, on March 17. Holika Dahan or Choti Holi is associated with the story of the demon king, Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahlad.
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, is celebrated a day before the main event of Holi. Holika Dahan is the story of good over evil. Hiranyakashipu also known as demon King was a great enemy of Lord Vishnu. However, Hiranyakashipu's son Prahalada was a great devotee of Lord Vishu and worshiped him religiously. This did not go well with Prahalada's father, Hiranyakashipu and he decided to kill his own son by seeking help from his sister, Holika who is a demoness.
Lord Brahma gifted the demoness a shawl that protected her from fire. Holika persuaded Prahlada to sit with her in the bonfire. As soon as the fire lit, Prahlada prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect him and keep him safe.
In order to save Prahlada, Lord Vishnu summoned a gust of wind to blow the shawl of Holika and place it on Prahlada. This resulted in saving the life of Prahlada, while Holika was burned into flames.
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Why Is Holika Dehan Important To People?
People on this day also worship Holika as it is believed in Hindu mythology that Holika Puja brings powers of prosperity and wealth to everyone's home. People believe that after doing Holika Puja they can conquer all sorts of fears.
What Do You Need For Holika Dehan?
Holika Dehan is a ritual that takes place with a bonfire involved. People generally get around the bonfire with their family and friends as they surrender their offerings to the Goddess.
You can take flowers, doop, agarbatti, akshat, cotton thread, moong daal, sweets or batasha, haldi, kumkum, coconut, gulal, and water for your pooja. Conclude your prayers by circling the bonfire five or seven times. It is ideal to take five or seven rounds, not less.
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When Is The Shubh Muhurat?
This year, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on the 17th of March while the main Holi celebrations are set to happen on the 18th of March, 2022. Taking the shubh muhurat in mind, it is said to be between 09:03 PM - 10:13 PM.
We wish you a very fun and happy Holi! Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more stories and updates!