What to do and what to avoid on Holika Dahan night

It is that time of the year when festive zeal can be felt everywhere, and the beginning of the festival of colors is marked by a prominent Hindu ritual known as Holika Dahan. Celebrated on the eve of Holi, this ritual is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil through the ritualistic bonfire that commemorates Prahlad's triumph over demoness Holika. This ritual is mostly observed during the full moon night of Phalgun, which involves sacred fire rituals to purify the environment and bring in prosperity by making adherence to traditions essential for spiritual benefits.

About Holika Dahan

The Holika Dahan ritual begins with preparing a bonfire pyre with wood, cow dung cakes, and twigs in an open space, purified with Ganga jal. People also prepare cow dung idols of Holika and Prahlad on top of the bonfire, which is first worshipped along with offerings like grains, coconut, sesame, mustard seeds, jaggery, and flowers on a puja thali.




How to perform the puja

To observe this ritual, devotees can start by facing the east direction and begin the puja by taking the sankalp. To take the joly sankalp, just sprinkle holy water while chanting mantras like "Om Pundarikakshaya Punatu." One can apply roli and akshat to the idols, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, and tie mauli threads in odd numbers like 3 or 5 rounds around the structure. Lastly, light the fire with ghee and camphor at the auspicious muhurat post-Bhadra kaal, circumambulate around the fire clockwise 7 times, pray for happiness, good luck, and health and prosperity, and distribute roasted prasad grains among family for blessings of good over evil.

When to perform puja

Perform Holika Puja during the auspicious muhurat, avoiding Bhadra kaal, using items like mustard seeds, sesame, cow dung cakes, rice, sugar, wheat grains, barley, coconut, and camphor offered into the fire. Light a ghee lamp in the northeast direction post-puja to attract peace and prosperity, and observe a fast on this Purnima day for spiritual discipline.

Once the fire is lit, it is best to circumambulate the bonfire seven times clockwise, sprinkling Ganga jal (water), and collect the cooling ash (vibhuti) later to apply on the forehead as tilak for protection against negativity. Make charitable donations to invoke divine blessings, and offer grains, ghee, and incense into the flames to symbolize renewal and positive energy.

Things to do

It is believed that one must consume sattvic vegetarian meals, like sweets made from grains or fruits, avoiding tamasic foods, to honor Lord Vishnu's purity on this day.

What to wear

It is believed that on this evening it is best to wear vibrant colors such as yellow, red, or pink during puja to align with festive positivity and tie hair neatly, especially for women, to maintain ritual sanctity.

Things to avoid

Refrain from lending money, as it may block financial inflows; do not wear black or white clothes, nor keep hair open during rituals.

Steer clear of meat, alcohol, non-vegetarian food, arguments, negative speech, cutting hair/nails, or disrespecting the fire by adding plastics/harmful materials.

Do not bring everything home

Do not touch or bring home unknown street items like lemons, sweets, mustard seeds, money, or odd objects, nor accept food from strangers to ward off tantra/black magic risks. Avoid roaming near the fire at midnight, eating out at others' homes, spousal quarrels, major decisions, late nights post-ritual, or bringing burning wood home.
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