Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi or Small Holi, is a Hindu festival celebrated a day before the main Holi festival. It usually falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar.
Holika Dahan commemorates the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of the Holi festival. The central ritual of this festival involves the burning of a bonfire, known as the Holika pyre or Holika Dahan. People gather around the bonfire, perform prayers, and make offerings to the fire.
According to Hindu mythology, the bonfire symbolizes the burning of Holika, the sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu, who tried to kill his own son, Prahlad, due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu. However, Prahlad’s devotion saved him from the fire, while Holika, who had a boon of immunity to fire, was burned instead.
Holika Dahan is celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm in various parts of India. It is a time for families and communities to come together, play music, dance, and enjoy festive foods. The next day after Holika Dahan is celebrated as Holi, the festival of colours, where people engage in playful gatherings, smear each other with colours, and spread joy and happiness.
