Holi and Holika Dahan 2025: Exact date, Muhurat, rituals, significance and all you need to know

Holi and Holika Dahan 2025: Exact date, Muhurat, rituals, significance and all you need to know

Holika Dahan, also known as the festival of colours, is celebrated every year in March. The Indian lunar calendar determines the date of the festival, which changes every year. In 2025, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13. The festival honors the story of Prahlad and Holika, two characters that come from Indian folklore and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is celebrated with dancing and bonfires at an auspicious time in the evening.

The next day, Holi is celebrated where people splash coloured powder on each other. This day marks the beginning of the spring season, so relationships are formed and unraveled. Every year, people across the country celebrate the festival of colours with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm. Dol Purnima, Manjal Kuli, Rangwali Holi, Shigmo and Dhulandi are some of the other names of this festival.

Holi 2025 in India

Holi 2025 in India will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, 2025. Holi is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar. The festival of Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Holika Dahan Muhurat 2025 Time

Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, will be celebrated between 11:26 pm on March 13 and 12:30 am on March 14, 2025. This is considered the best time to mark the victory of good over evil by burning Holika.

The Muhurat time for Holika Dahan is very important as it is believed that performing the ritual during this auspicious time guarantees spiritual gains, success and removal of negative energies.

The Muhurat time varies every year due to the lunar calendar and the position of the moon. The timeline for 2025 is given below:

History of Holika Dahan

The celebration of Holi begins with the burning of Holika. In India, pyres are built on this day in anticipation of a ritual in which large crowds gather to sing and dance together around a burning effigy. The fire is lit in the evening, shortly after the full moon sets, symbolizing the destruction of an evil spirit. The procession enacts the story of Holika and her nephew Prahlad. Prahlad’s father Hiranyakashyap was a powerful king who had received his powers from a god.

Nothing could harm him or take his life. Therefore, he declared himself a god and insisted that everyone worship him. The king’s own son would not worship his father even though the residents did because he was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god. Hiranyakashyap was so enraged by this blatant neglect that he attempted to murder his son. The king finally gave in and asked his sister Holika for help. Holika, who was immune to fire, had to lure Prahlad into the burning pyre, which ultimately resulted in his death. However, Lord Vishnu intervened and much to his dismay, the plan did not go as intended. Vishnu saved Prahlad, but Holika burned in the fire despite her immunity.

Due to his ability to save his devotee from his evil aunt, Vishnu was given the title of ‘protector of goodness.’ The next day is filled with exciting activities to celebrate Holika Dahan, including water showers, powder painting, and delicious snacks. On this day, some people celebrate Prahlad’s unwavering courage and faith, while believers find comfort in Lord Vishnu.

The day is dedicated to making amends and giving some thought to life and relationships. The symbolism of the holiday has transcended national boundaries, as Hindus in India and people around the world now celebrate it. The United States, South Africa, Europe, and Australia are just some of the countries that celebrate Holi.

Holi: The Festival of Colours

The festival of colours is another name for Holi as on this day people throw brightly coloured powders known as ‘gulal’ at each other. This custom is one of the most important parts of the celebration. Generally made from organic materials like flowers and herbs, the colours used during Holi have different symbolic significance. For example, red is associated with love and fertility, while green is associated with growth and new beginnings.

The different moods and emotions that people express during the festival are also represented by colours. All things considered, Holi is known as the festival of colours because of how vibrant and cheerful the celebration is.

Rituals and Traditions in Holika Dahan

People build a pyre by collecting wood, dry leaves and other flammable materials.

The entire community gathers to participate in the Holika Dahan, which usually takes place in open spaces or nearby areas.

Holika Effigy:

• A fake effigy representing Holika is made from flammable materials and placed over the bonfire.
• In some communities, the legend of Prahlad and Holika is also reenacted by placing a symbolic image of Prahlad near the bonfire.

Rituals and Prayers:

• People perform prayers and rituals around the bonfire.
• To seek blessings for the well-being of their family, devotees walk around the bonfire while offering prasad.

Holika Dahan Mantras:

• During Holika Dahan, mantras from the Vedas are recited to invoke the divine and seek protection from evil spirits.

Puja Vidhi for Holika Dahan 2025

To celebrate Holika Dahan, the wooden pyre is wrapped with white thread or mauli (raw cotton) three or seven times. After that, people worship the pyre by covering it with flowers, kumkum and holy water. The pyre is lit after the puja is over. In India, people light bonfires on this day to commemorate the victory of devotee Prahlad who worshiped Lord Vishnu.

Also, Holika Puja is performed because it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to every home. People can also conquer all their fears with the power of this puja.

How to Celebrate Holika Dahan

Choose a clean place for the bonfire. In many cities a local bonfire is set up for residents to gather. For the bonfire, gather wood, dry leaves and other flammable materials. Use the flammable materials to set up the effigy of Holika. Place the materials you have collected in the pyre. Offer your prayers and perform rituals before starting the Holika Dahan. You can recite the Holika Dahan prayers or traditional mantras.

Pray and seek blessings while walking around the Holika Dahan. Celebrate Holi by singing classical songs and sharing happiness with loved ones. To maximize the visual impact of the colored powder during the celebration, wear white or light-colored clothes. Enjoy the stunning views around the sacred land while splashing color and water. Enjoy mouth-watering snacks like barfi, gujiya, malpua, and kachori.

Significance of Holika Dahan

Hindus attach great importance to Holika Dahan, and this holiday is based on a historical and mythological tale. Holika Dahan is symbolized to burn evil forces and impurities. It symbolizes the elimination of negativity and bad energy from one’s surroundings and soul. Holika Dahan has deep roots in Hindu mythology and traditions. People can reconnect with their cultural heritage and tell the coming generations about the values ​​and stories associated with the festival.

The communal element of Holika Dahan brings people together. Communities come together to build and light bonfires, perform rituals, and overall celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Frequently Asked Questions on Holika Dahan

When is Holika Dahan in 2025?

In 2025, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 13, 2025.

What is Holika Dahan?

Holika Dahan, which is the first day of Holi celebrations, is also called Chhoti Holi. It commemorates the burning of the evil spirit named Holika, who attempted to kill Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu.

What is the significance of Holika Dahan?

Holika Dahan symbolizes the eradication of evil, negativity and ego from our lives. It is a proof that good always triumphs over evil. The Holi fire is lit the next day using the fire of Holika Dahan, which is considered sacred.

Which is the main day of Holi?

Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi is the name of the main day of Holi. After Holika Dahan, people celebrate the next day by throwing water and colors on each other. Holi is a time to celebrate relationships and interact.

Is Holika Dahan celebrated across India?

Yes, Holika Dahan is celebrated across India, although regional traditions and customs may vary.

How can Holika Dahan be celebrated at home?

Gathering family members, lighting a bonfire in a safe place, praying, and discussing the significance of the festival are all great ways to celebrate Holika Dahan at home. You can also take part in different rituals and distribute sweets among friends and family.

What is the connection between Holi and Holika Dahan?

Holi is the festival of colors and Holika Dahan is its precursor. Holika Dahan symbolizes the washing away of impurities by lighting a bonfire. Holi is joyfully celebrated the next day with a shower of colors.