The festival of Holi is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in Hindu culture, signifying the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festivities span two days, beginning with Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, followed by Rangwali Holi, the day of colours.
Choti Holi is an evening of reverence, where people come together to perform the ritual of Holika Dahan, lighting bonfires to commemorate the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
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When is Choti Holi 2025?
The Holi festival falls in the month of Phalgun, and in 2025, Choti Holi will be observed on March 13, followed by the grand celebration of Rangwali Holi on March 14.
Shubh muhurat and timings for Holika Dahan 2025
As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious time to perform Holika Dahan rituals is during the Pradosh Kaal. The specific timings are as follows:
Holika Dahan Shubh Muhurat: March 13 at 11:26 PM to March 14 at 12:30 AM
Duration: 1 hour, 4 minutes
Bhadra Punchha: 6:57 PM to 8:14 PM
Bhadra Mukha: 8:14 PM to 10:22 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins on March 13, 2025, at 10:35 AM
Purnima Tithi Ends on March 14, 2025, at 12:23 AM
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The history behind Choti Holi
The story of Holika Dahan comes from Hindu mythology and centres on a prince named Prahlad and his father, King Hiranyakashipu. The king had a special power that made him almost impossible to defeat, and he wanted everyone to worship him. But Prahlad loved Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father.
Angry that his son wouldn’t obey him, King Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill Prahlad. He asked his sister Holika for help. Holika had a magical shawl that protected her from fire, so she tricked Prahlad into sitting on a fire with her, thinking he would get burned. However, the magic worked in a way that the shawl covered Prahlad instead and protected him while Holika burned.
This story teaches us that good faith and goodness can conquer evil. To celebrate this victory, people light bonfires and burn effigies of Holika during the festival of Choti Holi, reminding us that righteousness always wins over wrong.
Significance of Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is more than just a ritual; it symbolizes spiritual and psychological cleansing. The bonfire represents the destruction of negativity, bad thoughts, and past grievances, enabling individuals to embrace positivity and renewal. Many believe that offering grains, coconuts, and other sacred items into the fire brings prosperity and removes obstacles from one’s life.
Communities come together on this occasion, singing devotional songs, performing parikrama (circling the bonfire), and sharing sweets as a gesture of harmony. It is a time for togetherness, reflection, and preparation for the vibrant celebrations of Rangwali Holi the following day.
