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Holika Dahan rituals: What to do and what to avoid

Holika Dahan, which is also commonly known as Chhoti Holi, indicates the beginning of the colorful and vibrant Holi festival. This is celebrated just a day before Holi festival, it’s a symbolic burning of the demoness Holika (aunt of Prahalad), signifying the victory of good over evil. This year (i.e. 2024), Holika Dahan is on Sunday, 24^th March 2024, coinciding with the full moon day of the Phalguna month of hindu calendar. 

Before lighting the” HOLI” bonfire, devotees perform a Holika puja, traditionally facing east or north. Circumambulating (walking around known as “pradakshina”) the Holika Dahan fire is an essential part of the ritual. The ashes which is collected the next day are believed to bring good fortune and are often stored in a silver container. Offerings of barley grains, mustard seeds, and wheat grains are made to the holy fire, symbolizing prosperity for the household. Holika Dahan is a time for reflection, where devotees express their desire to burn away their sufferings, sorrows along with the effigy of Holika.

What to follow on Holika Dahan

• Perform Holika puja during an auspicious Hora (time).
• Be sure to have a bath and wear clean clothes
• Keep a fast on this full moon day if possible.
• Light a pure ghee “DEEPAK” lamp in the northeast (EESHAN CORNER) direction for peace and prosperity (according to Vedic astrology).
• Use specific puja ingredients like mustard seeds (Sarso Beej), Camphor (Kapoor), sesame seeds (Til Beej), cow dung cakes, rice grains (Chawal), sugar (Sakkara), and wheat grains (Gehu daana).
• Circumambulate (Pradakshina) the Holika fire 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 times after the puja, offering Camphor to fire (This is for Mental Peace & Happiness),

Offer Cow dung to fire (This is for good health & immunity),  

Offer Mustard Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Cow dung cakes, rice grains, Sugar, and Wheat grains to fire. (This is for happiness & success of the entire family),

Offer Brown Coconut to fire. (This is for Wealth & Prosperity)  

• Offer water
• Make donations to charity as per one’s capacity & willingness for blessings.
• Offer food to hungry & clothes to needy if possible.

What to avoid on Holika Dahan

• Specifically do not lend money on the day of Holika Dahan unless the act is of charity or help to a close one, , as it’s believed to hinder financial blessings.
• Never wear black or white clothes during the puja; instead wear vibrant colours like tangy orange, bright yellow, fiery red, or dark pink.
• Do not keep your hair open as a woman during the puja; tie it up, as it is not auspicious as well as it may tend to catch fire during pradakshina.
• Do not touch any unknown objects lying on the street during Holika Dahan night, as it could be hazardous or dangerous.
• Avoid being witness the Holika Dahan fire as a newly married bride in your in-laws’ house for the first time.

Following these above given traditional practices during Holika Dahan adds a spiritual dimension to the celebration and is strongly believed to shower in good health, blessings and prosperity for individuals and their family members for the year around.

 What is Mantra to be chanted on Holika Dahan.

On Holika Dahan, one can chant this above mentionedNarsimha mantra and get blessings:

Wishing you all a Healthy, Colorful, Happy & a Prosperous Holi

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