Known as one of the most loved festivals in India, Holi, is all set to paint the country with vibrant colors this March. And just a day before the main festival, Holi or Rang Panchami, people celebrate Holika Dahan. Also known as Chotti Holi, Holika Dahan is a bonfire that is lit to celebrate the victory of good over evil. But what is the story behind it? What is puja vidhi? Here’s everything you must know about Holika Dahan 2026.
All About Holika Dahan 2026
Holika Dahan 2026: Meaning, Date, And Muhurat
Holika Dahan, which is known as Choti Diwali or Holika Dahanam in Sanskrit, is a part of Holi celebrations in India. Holi is divided into two days: Holika Dahan and Rangpanchami. While Rangpanchami means playing with colors, Holika Dahan is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
Holika Dahan precedes Holi or Rangpanchami, and a bonfire is lit to celebrate the burning of the demoness, Holika. It is generally celebrated on Purnima Tithi in the month of Phalguna.
This year, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 2, 2026. The purnima tithi will begin at 05:55 PM on 2 March 2026 and end at 05:07 PM on 3 March 2026. The muhurat for Holika Dahan, that is, lighting the bonfire and praying, is from 06:22 PM to 08: 50 PM.
Holika Dahan 2026: Mythological Story
Holika Dahan in India holds a lot of religious importance in Hinduism. The festival of Holi is incomplete without celebrating Holika Dahan a day before. This celebration has a mythological story linked to it.
According to Hindu mythology, a demon king named Hiranyakashyapu was a hardcore opposer of Lord Vishnu. But his son Prahlad worshipped Lord Vishnu instead of his father.
He made numerous attempts to kill Prahlad but always failed because of Lord Vishnu’s blessings. One day, he summoned his sister Holika, who was blessed with a boon to be immune to fire.
Hiranyakashyapu built a pyre and asked Holika to sit on it with Prahlad on her lap. He lit the pyre, and after a while, something unexpected and unbelievable happened.
Holika burned down to ashes while Prahlad stepped out completely safe and sound. Lord Vishnu again saved his devotee and showed the world that good always conquers evil.
Hence, in memory of this incident, people light bonfires and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Holika Dahan 2026: Puja Vidhi And Rituals
Though Holika Dahan is celebrated in the evening, the preparations for the same begin early in the day. People wake up early, clean their house, and begin preparing sweets.
People from different regions prepare different types of sweets like Gujiya, Laddoo, Malpua, Jalebi, and Chandrakala. A part of these sweets is offered to the bonfire, and the rest are later savored by the family members.
In the evening, during the Holika dahan muhurat, people gather at an open space and light a bonfire. This bonfire is lit using wood, cow dung, and dried neem leaves.
Then all the devotees, especially female devotees, gather around the bonfire and offer turmeric, black sesame seeds, vermilion, flowers, thread, coconut, and sweets. The offerings and materials used to build the bonfire are different in different regions.
They also take 3, 5, or 7 rounds around the bonfire while dripping water around it from a kalash or small pot. They pray for prosperity and the deletion of negativity from their life. In some parts of the country, people offer the new harvest to the fire and welcome spring.
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Summing Up
Holika Dahan is a celebration of the victory of faith over fear and good over evil. It is a time for devotees to pray for protection from evil, prosperity, and happiness. We hope Holika Dahan 2026 burns away all the negativity in your life!
FAQS
Why Holika Dahan Is Celebrated?
Holika Dahan is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Prahlad’s faith over the demoness Holika.
When Is Holika Dahan In 2026?
Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 2 in 2026.
What Is Holika Dahan Meaning?
Holika Dahan is a Hindu festival that precedes Rangpanchami or the main Holi festival. It symbolizes the burning of negativity and the victory of faith.
