Sanatan Info

Beta AI
हिंदी में देखें
Festival Profile

Holika Dahan

Bonfire eve of Holi, symbolising the burning of the demoness Holika and triumph of devotion.

All festivals

Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve of Holi, symbolises the victory of devotion over evil, commemorating the burning of Holika.

Stories behind the festival

The burning of Holika

Satyuga
The demoness Holika, immune to fire, tried to burn her nephew Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu. But divine protection saved Prahlada and Holika was burned. Holika Dahan re-enacts this victory.
Vishnu Purana; Bhagavata Purana

Why we celebrate

Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve of Holi, symbolises the victory of devotion over evil, commemorating the burning of Holika.
Vishnu Purana; Bhagavata Purana

When

Holika Dahan is observed on the evening of Phalguna Purnima, the night before Holi (February-March).

Since when it is followed

The Prahlada story belongs to the Satyuga; the Holika Dahan bonfire has been observed for centuries.
Puranic tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India.

Origin

The origin is the Prahlada-Holika narrative from the Puranas, when the demoness Holika was burned while the devotee Prahlada was saved.
Vishnu Purana; Bhagavata Purana (Satyuga)

Key deities

Lord Vishnu (Narasimha) and the burning of Holika.

How to celebrate

Light a bonfire in the evening, circumambulate it, offer grains and coconut, and pray for the victory of good over evil.

Rituals & offerings

The bonfire, parikrama, offering of grains, and the burning of Holika as a symbol.

Key facts

The next day after Holika Dahan is the festival of Holi.
Regional tradition