IN PICS | People Across India Perform 'Holika Dahan' Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Image: PTI

Holi, the festival of colors is the second biggest Hindu festival after Diwali that is celebrated every year. The festival of colours commemorates the combined celebration of two different festivals – Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) and Badi Holi (Rangwali Holi/Dulandi).People lit a bonfire on Holika Dahan and a special type of Puja is performed to mark the occasion. The ritual of Holika fire signifies the triumph of good over evil. (Image: PTI)

It is believed that Hiranyakashyap, the Demon King, wanted everyone to worship him, but his son, Prahlad, refused to do so. The Demon King was angry and asked his sister Holika, to take Prahlad in her arms and enter a blazing fire, as she was granted with a boon that had made her immune to fire. However, she got burnt to death as the boon was only applicable when she enter the fire alone. (Image: PTI)

This year, the Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan is celebrated on March 28 and Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi will be observed on March 29. (Image: PTI)

Devotees walk around a bonfire during Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi festival celebrations in Haridwar. (Image: PTI)

Women perform rituals during Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi festival, in Patna. (Image: PTI)

In Mumbai, artists prepared effigy based on coronavirus them for Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi festival. (Image: PTI)

In Jabalpur, an artist gives a finishing touch to an idol of Holika. (Image: PTI)