Holika Dahan is observed each year with much enthusiasm on the full moon date of the Phalgun month according to the Hindu calendar. This year, this auspicious occasion falls on March 24th.
Holika Dahan holds significance in Hindu culture and is celebrated a day before the festival of Holi. The day is observed each year with much enthusiasm on the full moon date of the Phalgun month according to the Hindu calendar. This year, this auspicious occasion falls on March 24th. But are you aware about the significance of this festival? There are numerous beliefs and stories surrounding Holika Dahan, and let’s explore the most prominent story.
Why is Holika Dahan celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, Hiranyakashyap was a daitya king (the demon king) who was an adversary of Lord Vishnu. He even obstructed sages and saints in their worshipping of Lord Vishnu and subjected them to punishment.
He had four sons and one of them was named Prahlad. Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu from his early days. Despite numerous attempts to stop Prahlad from his worship, he remained steadfast in his faith.
Hiranyakashyap decided to kill his own son. From the eighth day of the Phalgun month until the full moon day, he subjected Prahlad to various forms of torture.
However, Prahlad miraculously escaped every time unharmed. He was protected by the divine grace of Lord Vishnu. It was then that Hiranyakashyap sought help from his sister Holika.
Holika had a boon from Lord Brahma that fire could never harm her. Hiranyakashyap gave her orders to sit in the fire with Prahlad to kill him.
However, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, Prahlad remained unscathed, while Holika herself perished in the flames. This event occurred on Phalgun Purnima Tithi.
Since then, the tradition of burning Holika on this date began. The day symbolizes happiness and peace in households. The day also serves as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.
Disclaimer: The legend provided here is based on the age-old stories told by astrologers, religious texts, and beliefs. The story is mythological and should be interpreted only as informational.
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