Holika Dahan 2024:
The Indian New Year, commencing on the first date of the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, initiates this festive occasion. Holika Dahan, celebrated today, is an ancient ritual symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Community members gather to set ablaze a designated wooden structure, encircled by cow dung cakes (uplas) and wood, letting go of the old year's negativity at a predetermined auspicious time.
During Holika Dahan, people ignite cow dung cakes with holes, fresh wheat ears, and 'ubtan' to ensure health and well-being for the year ahead, destroying any ill fortune in the holy fire. The ashes are then brought home to partake in another ritual where these are used to anoint family members, commemorating the birth of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, believed to be an avatar of Krishna, making worship on this day extremely auspicious.
What to Do During Holika Dahan?
Visit the ceremonial site and offer your respects to the fire. Sprinkle water on the ground and then add wheat ears, cow dung cakes, and black sesame to the flames. Circumambulate the fire at least three times and express your wishes to it. Use the sacred ash from Holika to mark yourself and your loved ones.
Auspicious Moment for Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is traditionally performed on the full moon day of the Phalgun Shukla Paksha. It is crucial to avoid the Bhadra period; this year, it commences with the start of the full moon and lasts until 10:27 PM. The auspicious window to conduct the ceremony is from 10:27 PM to 12:27 AM.
Offerings Based on Zodiac Signs for Holika Dahan
Aries:
Offer black sesame and seek blessings for robust health.
Taurus:
Offer corn kernels while praying for harmony in marital life.
Gemini:
Add jaggery to the fire and pray for professional ease.
Cancer:
Grain ears go into the blaze as you pray for mental peace.
Leo:
Sandalwood offerings are meant to enhance job prospects and health.
Virgo:
Black sesame and jaggery offerings while praying for protection.
Libra:
Yellow mustard seeds are offered as a prayer for mental stability.
Scorpio:
Paddy grains are given as an offering to overcome difficulties.
Sagittarius:
Corn kernels for family happiness and peace.
Capricorn:
Ghee is auspicious for health and safety.
Aquarius:
Camphor is propitious for financial stability.
Pisces:
Offer wood for the advancement of progeny and better disposition.
