Celebrated normally a day earlier than Holi, Holika Dahan entails the lighting of a bonfire to have a good time the burning of the demoness, Holika – a symbolic ritual signifying the victory of fine over evil. While Holi falls on a full moon day of the Phalgun month of the Hindu calendar (February-March), Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi is widely known a day earlier. As in most Hindu festivals, there’s an auspicious time often known as Muhurat. Gurudev Shrie Kashyap, Astrologer and Numerologist, and Founder of All India Institute of Occult Science, shares the date, muhurat and significance of Holika Dahan and lists out the dos and don’ts.
Holi 2024: Date, Muhurat Of Holika Dahan
Holi 2024 can be celebrated on March 25 whereas Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan is on March 24. “According to Panchang Diwakar, Holika Dahan is performed during Bhadra Rahitakal on the day of Pradosh Vyapini Phalgun Purnima. This year Phalgun Purnima is Pradoshvyapini on March 24, 2024, only. On March 24, Bhadra ends at 11:13 pm, before midnight at 12:33. So this year, Holika Dahan will take place on March 24. The auspicious time for Holika Dahan is from 11:13 pm to 12:32 am. Therefore Holika Dahan should be done only after 11:13 pm,” says Gurudev Shrie Kashyap.
Holika Dahan Puja Rituals
“There is a tradition of worshipping Holika before lighting the fire in Holi. For this, the person should sit facing east or north while worshipping Holika. For the worship, keep garland, flowers, raw cotton, jaggery, roli, scent, whole turmeric, moong, batasha, gulal, coconut, five types of grains, ears of wheat and a pot of water. One should go around the bonfire lit for Holika Dahan. Next day Holi ashes should be brought and kept in a silver box. People also put barley grains and mustard plasters in the sacred fire of Holika. It is said that doing this brings happiness in the house. Holika Dahan never happens in Bhadra,” shares Gurudev Shrie Kashyap.
Holi 2024: Dos And Don’ts
Gurudev Shrie Kashyap lists the next dos and don’ts for Holi, one of many greatest Hindu festivals celebrated with colors:
Dos:
– Always use eco-pleasant colors: Natural and natural colors are much better than artificial ones. It’s your pores and skin so shield it properly.
– Respect everybody’s boundaries: Don’t cross limits whereas taking part in Holi as it might trigger hurt to others. Be aware whereas taking part in Holi.
– Keep your self hydrated: Playing Holi can result in exhaustion, so maintain ingesting water to remain hydrated.
– Avoid sporting new garments: Colours might be tough to clean, so put on outdated garments to be on the protected facet.
– Protect your pores and skin and hair: Apply oil or moisturiser in your physique and oil your hair earlier than stepping out to play Holi. This makes it simpler to clean off the colors later and protects your pores and skin and hair from harm.
– Share sweets and snacks: Holi is a time for sharing pleasure and happiness. Share conventional sweets and snacks with household, associates, and neighbours.
Don’ts:
– Don’t power anybody to play: Respect everybody’s option to take part or not. Some individuals might favor to not play with colors as a consequence of well being causes or private preferences.
– Avoid water balloons: While water balloons would possibly look like enjoyable, they will trigger harm or discomfort if thrown forcefully. Opt for dry or moist colors as a substitute.
– Avoid utilizing ‘everlasting’ colors: Some artificial colors used throughout Holi comprise dangerous chemical compounds that may trigger pores and skin allergy symptoms and different well being points. Stick to pure, eco-pleasant colors.
– Don’t use colors on animals: Holi might be distressing for pets and animals. Keep them indoors throughout the festivities and keep away from making use of colours on them.
– Be aware of public areas: While taking part in Holi in public areas, keep away from creating a multitude which will inconvenience others. Clean up after your self and eliminate waste correctly.
– Respect others’ property: Avoid forcefully making use of colors on strangers or their property with out their consent. Respect everybody’s area and belongings.
“By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Holi celebration for everyone involved,” says Gurudev Shrie Kashyap.
