Holika Dahan Timing 2024:
Every year, on the night of Phalgun Purnima, the ritual of Holika Dahan is performed. The following day, Chaitra Pratipada, festivities continue with the playing of the colorful festival, Holi. This year, Holika Dahan falls on March 24, shadowed by the inauspicious presence of Bhadra. On March 25, the air will be filled with colors as Holi is celebrated. Coincidentally, the first lunar eclipse of the year will also occur on Holi. Let's discover what this year's lunar eclipse entails for the Holika Dahan ritual.
When is Bhadra During Holika Dahan?
On March 24, Bhadra's shade will cast from 9:24 AM until 10:27 PM on the day of Holika Dahan. Therefore, the ritual of Holika Dahan can only be performed after 10:27 PM.
The Auspicious Muhurat of Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan 2024 Shubh Muhurt)
As per the Hindu calendar, this year's Phalgun month's Purnima Tithi begins on March 24 at 9:54 AM and lasts until March 25 at 12:29 PM. Therefore, Holika Dahan should be enacted on the evening of March 24. The auspicious muhurat for Holika Dahan is from 11:13 PM until 12:27 AM.
Essentials for Holika Dahan Ritual
In Sanatan Dharma, the Holika Poojan ritual precedes Holika Dahan and is incomplete without specific materials. These include a pitcher of water, a garland made of cow dung cakes, roli, akshat (rice grains), incense, fruits, flowers, sweets, kalava (sacred thread), batasha (sugar drops), colored powders, coconuts, turmeric knots, moong dal, and whole grains on the pooja platter.
What to Avoid During Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan 2024 Dos)
In the Holika Dahan ritual, traditionally dry woods and bushes are burnt. It's best to avoid lighting wood from mango, banyan, and peepal trees as they sprout new leaves in the month of Phalgun. You may instead use wood from the Gular or Arand trees. On this day, refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food or foods that incite negative energies. Avoid conflicts, lies, and any form of insult or disgrace.
What to Do During Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan 2024 Donts)
Offer water to Holika Maiyya during the Dahan, and follow planting rituals afterward. Circle the Holika fire three times and express your wishes to it. Then respectfully bid it farewell. Apply the ash from the Holika fire as tilak on yourself and family members.
How to Perform Holika Pooja (Holika Dahan 2024 Puja Vidhi)
On the day of Holika Dahan, wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. In the evening, head to the place of Dahan and sit facing the east or north. Begin by offering a garland made of cow dung to Holika. Continue with roli, akshat, fruits, flowers, mala, turmeric, moong, jaggery, colors, satnaja, wheat ears, sugarcane, and chana. Circle the Holika five or seven times while tying a kalava, offer water, and pray for prosperity. During the evening Dahan, throw in barley or akshat into the fire. After the new harvest is roasted in the fire, distribute it as prasad at home. This act is deemed very auspicious in the scriptures.
Lunar Eclipse on Holi (Chandra Grahan 2024)
This year, Holi will also witness the first lunar eclipse, lasting from 10:24 AM to 03:01 PM, making it a 4 hours and 36 minutes event. However, it will not be visible in India and its traditional purification period (sutak) will not apply, so you can celebrate the festival worry-free.
