Holika Dahan · होलिका दहन
Holika Dahan is the bonfire lit on the evening of Phalguna Purnima, the night before Holi. It recalls the story of Prahlad, whom Holika tried to burn in her lap but who was saved by his devotion to Vishnu, while Holika burned.
How the date is determined
Phalguna Purnima prevailing during Pradosh (the evening after sunset), avoiding Bhadra.
Communities build a pyre of wood and cow-dung cakes, worship it, walk around it and offer new grain, coconut and grains of wheat and barley to the fire.
Regional and tradition differences
The time of the bonfire is chosen to avoid Bhadra (Vishti karana). When Bhadra covers the evening, panchangs differ on whether to wait until it ends or use its tail (Bhadra Punchha), so dates can differ between sources.
What to recite
Sources
- Holika Dahan, Wikipedia (2026)
- Holi, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.