Holika Dahan 2021 Puja: Check Shubh Muhurat, Significance & Other Details

On this day devotees gather in the neighbourhood to light a bonfire (referred to as Holika) and the ritual of Holika fire signifies the triumph of good over evil. 

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One of the most popular festivals celebrated widely across the country is Holi.  The festival of colours is just two days away and will be observed on Pratipada Tithi (the first day of the Chaitra month, Krishna Paksha, according to the Purnimant calendar) or Phalguna month, Pratipada Tithi, Krishna Paksha (as per the Amavasyant calendar).

However, the date of the festival remains the same. This two-day festival comprises of Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan celebrated on March 28 and Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi observed on March 29. 

The first day observed as Holika Dahan is celebrated on the previous night (Phalguna Purnima Tithi). On this day devotees gather in the neighborhood to light a bonfire (referred to as Holika) and the ritual of Holika fire signifies the triumph of good over evil. 

Holika Dahan 2021 Purnima Tithi Timings

The Purnima Tithi will start at 3:27 AM on March 28 and ends at 12:17 AM on March 29.

Shubh muhurat for Holika Dahan

The Holika Dahan is to be performed between 6:37 PM to 8:56 PM on March 28.

Bhadra Kaal on Holika Dahan day

The Bhadra Punchha is observed between 10:13 AM to 11:16 AM, and Bhadra Mukha is between 11:16 AM to 01:00 PM.  Remember that Holika Dahan is not to be performed during Bhadra Mukha period.

What's Holika Dahan Puja ritual?

For Choti Holi puja, devotees will require a glass of water, pinch of gulaal, unbroken rice grains, raw cotton thread, Kanda, and wheat grain stick. Devotees will have to throw all these ingredients while making the rounds of Holika bonfire.

What's the mythological significance of the day?

The day is associated with the Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.  According to the legend Prahlada, the son of a demon named Hiranyakashipu was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. The kind was against his son's belief in Lord Vishnu and also planned to kill his own son. It is then the king planned to put his son in the bonfire, for which he took the help of his sister Holika, who was also a demon.

 Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. As per the mythology, Holika who has received a divine shawl by Lord Brahma to protect her from fire sat with little Prahalad in a huge bonfire. The divine shawl instead of saving Holika protected the little boy and burned Holika into ashes. It is since then the day is observed as Holika Dahan.