New Delhi:
The Holi is a two-day Indian festival celebrated every year to welcome the full moon in a spring of Falgun season (February – March). The first day of Holi is known as Holika dahan, it is reffered as Kama Dahanam in South India and second day is called ’Dhulandi’ or Rangwali Holi.
This year Holika dahan will be celebrated on Sunday evening. On this day Holi bonfire are lit after sunset. Like ’Choti Diwali’ this day is marked as choti Holi also known as Holika Dahan.
According to Indian calendar, Holika Dahan is performed in Purnima Tithi avoiding 'Bhadra'. Purnima Tithi begins from 08:23pm on March 11 and ends at 08:23pm on March 12. The Holika Dahan Muhurta starts at 18:23pm on Sunday to 08:23pm and the duration is 1 hour 47 minutes.
At the time of Holika dahan people offer water, turmeric, coconut to the bonfire and seek blessings for a joyous life.
Details of Muhurat and Bhadra:
Holika dahan Muhurta- 06:23pm to 08:23pm
Bhadra Punchh - 04:11 to 05:23
Bhadra Mukh - 05:23 to 07:23
Purnima Tithi - 08:23pm (11 March, 2017) to 08:23pm 12 March, 2017
Holi (Color) or Dhulandi- March 13, 2017(Monday)
Check out: Some easy tips to protect your hair during holi
History of Holika Dahan:
According to Indian mythology it is belived that once lived a Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. A devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a god who wanted to be worshiped by all. His son, Prahlad who began to worship, Lord Vishnu. In order to get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. His son Prahlad was saved while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire and was burnt. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika dahan' comes mainly from this legend.
