Holika Dahan 2024 Bhadra Timings and Auspicious Moments:
The full moon of Phalguna month marks the traditional Holika Dahan. It's a significant ritual observed before indulging in any meals. Holi is deeply revered in spiritual terms. This year's Holika Dahan is set for March 24. The Colorful Holi will follow on March 25. Holika Dahan symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, purging negative energies around us. Let's find out when today's shadow of Bhadra begins and the auspicious moments for Holika Dahan.
Auspicious Timings for Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan 2024 Shubh Muhurat)
This year, Holika Dahan is slated for March 24, starting at 9:54 AM and concluding on March 25 at 12:29 PM. Bhadra begins today, March 24, at 9:24 AM and lasts until 10:27 PM tonight. Therefore, Holika Dahan rituals should commence only after 10:27 PM tonight.
How to Perform Holika Dahan
Also known as 'Chhoti Holi,' people light the Holika pyre post-sunset while chanting mantras and humming traditional folk songs. Before igniting the fire, they offer roli, unbroken rice grains, flowers, threads made of raw yarn, turmeric pieces, unbroken green gram, batasha (sugar or jaggery candies), coconut, and gulal where the woods are placed. They chant mantras, set the fire to the Holika, and circle the pyre five times praying for wellness and joy.
What to Offer in the Holika Fire (Offer these things in Holika)
1.
Black sesame seeds for good health
2.
Green cardamom and camphor for liberation from illness
3.
Sandalwood for financial gain
4.
Yellow mustard for employment opportunities
5.
Havan materials for marital issues
6.
Black mustard to fend off negative energy
How Holi is Celebrated
The festival of Holi stretches over two days. It begins with Holika Dahan, signifying the triumph over evil. The next day, people play with colors derived from natural sources like turmeric, neem, and kumkum. On Holi, blessings are sought from elders, and good wishes exchanged before smearing each other with colors.
The Mythological Significance of Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan Legend)
The full moon day of Phalguna is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. According to legend, Prahlad, son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, to Hiranyakashipu's dismay. To divert Prahlad's devotion, Hiranyakashipu tasked his sister Holika, who had a boon making her immune to fire, with killing him. Holika took Prahlad in her lap and entered the fire. However, due to Prahlad's devotion and divine grace, only Holika burned while Prahlad remained unharmed. Since then, Holika Dahan is performed on the eve of Holi.
