Holi, the festival of colours is one of the biggest and most auspicious Hindu festivals, celebrated by Indians across the globe. This year, Holi falls on March 8 and Holika Dahan on two days, March 6 or March 7.
Before Holi, people mark the festival of Choti Holi or Holika Dahan a significant day for Hindus representing the victory of good over evil. The celebrations for the festival of colours begin a night before Holi with devotees lighting the Holika bonfire – a reminder of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and happiness over sorrow.
Though every year, Holika Dahan or Choti Holi – also known as Holika Deepak – falls a day before Holi and Badi Holi. This year, there is confusion if it falls on March 6 or 7. Keep scrolling to know all about the correct date, city-wise muhurat, puja vidhi, samagri, history, and more of this grand occasion.
Choti Holi or Holika Dahan holds much significance for Hindus. According to the legends, there was a demon king Hiranyakashipu blessed with a boon that no man or animal could kill him. Mad with power, Hiranyakashipu forced people to worship him as their god. Hiranyakashipu’s son was devoted to Lord Vishnu and refused to follow his father’s commands. The demon king got angry and asked his sister Holika to kill him by sitting on a pyre while wearing a flame-shielding cloth. However, Prahlad prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect him – summoning a wind that transferred the shawl on Prahlad. Holika burned in the flamed, and her end signifies the victory of good over evil.
