Holika Dahan is usually celebrated a day before Holi. During Holika Dahan, a bonfire is lit to symbolize the burning of the demon Holika, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi falls on the full moon date of the month of Phalgun. Holika Dahan is done a day before Holi. But during this time it is important for you to keep some things in mind. Let us know what should and what not to be done on Holi.
Holika Dahan rituals:
Holika is also worshiped before lighting the fire in Holi. During this puja, a person should sit facing east or north. Apart from this, it should also be circumambulated. After Holika Dahan, the ashes of the fire should be collected in a silver vessel. Additionally, people put barley grains, mustard seeds and wheat grains in the sacred fire of Holika and distribute them later. It is believed that doing this brings prosperity to the house.
According to the calendar, this year Holika Dahan will be celebrated on 24 March 2024 i.e. Sunday. It is important to follow some rules during Holika Dahan.
What to do on the day of Holika Dahan:
- There is a tradition of worshiping Holika in the morning at an auspicious time.
- Holika Dahan is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalgun month and there is a tradition of observing fast on this day. Therefore you can also keep fast on this day.
- According to astrology, if you want prosperity and peace in your home then you should light a ghee lamp in the north direction of your house on the day of Holika Dahan. Doing this is considered very auspicious.
- Mustard seeds, sesame seeds, 11 cow dung cakes, rice grains, sugar and wheat grains are used in the morning puja during Holika Dahan.
- After worshiping Holika, one should circumambulate the Holika fire seven times and then offer water. Donating after this is considered very auspicious.
What not to do on the day of Holika Dahan:
- One should avoid lending or borrowing money to anyone even by mistake on the day of Holika Dahan. According to astrology, by doing this, blessings stop coming to the house. Therefore, try to avoid money transactions on this day.
- Do not wear black or white clothes during Holika Puja. Wearing these colors during puja is considered inauspicious. You can wear yellow, red or pink colored clothes during the puja.
- Women should not tie their hair during Holika Puja. Rather, Holika is worshiped with open hair. After this, women can tie their hair at any time.
- Keep in mind that do not touch any object lying on the road on the night of Holika Dahan, because the risk of witchcraft is high during this time.
- According to religious beliefs, newly married brides should not see the fire of Holika Dahan in their in-laws' house on their first Holi. It is considered inauspicious.