Holika Dahan 2025: Complete Rituals and Worship Method According to Scriptures

Holika Dahan is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the night of Falgun Purnima, followed by Holi, the festival of colors, the next day. According to religious beliefs, performing Holika Puja and Dahan (burning Holika) with proper rituals brings happiness, prosperity, and eliminates negative energies from life. Here is the complete method of Holika worship and burning.

Significance of Holika Dahan

The tradition of Holika Dahan originates from the legend of Prahlad and Holika. According to mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyap tried to kill his devotee son Prahlad by making him sit in Holika’s lap inside a fire. However, Holika was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of Lord Vishnu. This event signifies the triumph of good over evil and is commemorated by burning Holika every year.

Auspicious Timing for Holika Puja & Dahan

• Holika Dahan Date: March 13, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Begins: March 13 at 10:35 AM
• Bhadra Kaal Begins: March 13 at 10:36 AM
• Bhadra Kaal Ends: March 13 at 11:31 PM
• Auspicious Time for Holika Dahan: March 13, from 11:32 PM to 12:37 AM

Astrologer Dr. NK Bera advises that Holika Dahan should not be performed during Bhadra Kaal, so the most favorable time for burning Holika is after 11:32 PM on March 13.

Essential Items for Holika Puja

To perform Holika Puja, the following items are required:
✔ Idols of Holika and Prahlad (made from cow dung)
✔ Ganga water (for purification)
✔ Roli and Akshat (rice)
✔ Flower garland
✔ Coconut & dried coconut flakes
✔ Jaggery & raw cotton
✔ Turmeric & sandalwood
✔ Wheat ears & gram
✔ Camphor and ghee lamp

Step-by-Step Holika Puja Rituals

1. Preparations

🔹 Take a bath and wear clean clothes to purify your body and mind before starting the puja.

2. Installing Holika & Prahlad Idols

🔹 Place the idols of Holika and Prahlad (made of cow dung) at the worship site.

3. Purification with Ganga Water

🔹 Sprinkle Ganga water on the idols and the surrounding area for spiritual purification.

4. Offering Sandalwood and Flowers

🔹 Offer sandalwood, flowers, and a garland to Holika and Prahlad.

5. Wrapping the Sacred Thread

🔹 Wrap a raw cotton thread around Holika three or seven times, symbolizing protection and devotion.

6. Lighting Incense and Lamp

🔹 Light incense sticks and a ghee lamp to invoke positive energies.

7. Offering Naivedya (Prasad)

🔹 Offer jaggery, coconut, wheat ears, and gram to Holika as prasad.

8. Performing Aarti

🔹 Perform Aarti of Holika, praying for prosperity, peace, and the removal of negativity.

Holika Dahan Rituals (Burning Holika)

1. Choosing the Right Time

🔹 Holika Dahan should be done after Bhadra Kaal ends (i.e., after 11:32 PM on March 13).

2. Igniting the Fire

🔹 After completing Holika Puja, ignite the fire using:
✔ Mango wood
✔ Cow dung cakes
✔ Wheat ears and gram
✔ Ghee for purification

3. Circumambulating Holika

🔹 Family members should walk around Holika (parikrama) and offer wheat ears to the fire.
🔹 This is believed to bring prosperity and happiness for the entire year.

4. Collecting Holika's Ashes

🔹 Bringing Holika’s ashes home is considered highly auspicious.
🔹 It helps remove negative energy and ensures positivity in the house.

Important Rules & Precautions for Holika Dahan

✔ Use only dry wood for burning Holika; avoid plastic and harmful materials.
✔ Ensure fire safety at the site and keep children at a safe distance.
✔ Take a pledge to remove negativity and bad habits from life and embrace positivity.
✔ Show respect to women and elders, promoting harmony and goodwill in society.