Mar 2 or 3? Lunar eclipse sparks confusion over Holika Dahan timing

Kanpur: The year's first lunar eclipse on Tuesday has added confusions regarding the auspicious timing of Holika Dahan this year.While some groups have scheduled Holika Dahan on the evening of March 3, others assert that the ritual should be performed in the early hours after Monday midnight. And the festival of colours will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4.
According to the Hindu calendar, Holika Dahan is observed on the Purnima Tithi of Phalgun month. The Purnima tithi will commence at 5:55pm on March 2, and conclude at 5:07 pm on March 3. The commonly suggested auspicious time for Holika Dahan is between 6:22pm and 8:50 pm on March 3, with Holi to be observed the following day, March 4.According to an astrologer Vishwabandhu Bajpai, Holika Dahan can be performed between 12:50am and 2:02am on Tuesday. He explained that since Holika Dahan must be conducted during Purnima Tithi, and Purnima will remain until 4:33 pm on March 3, after which Pratipada begins, the ritual is more appropriate in the early hours of March 3.Holika Dahan commemorates the legend of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Devotees perform Holika Dahan puja before lighting the wooden logs. Offerings like coconut, grains, sweets, and new harvest crops are offered to the flames of Holika . Devotees then perform parikrama of Holika seeking protection from negative energies and blessings for happiness and good health..In Kanpur, preparations are in full swing. Holika Dahan will be organised at 464 locations across the city. The sites have been decorated with effigies of Holika. Artisans have prepared effigies ranging from 5 to 15 feet in height, priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 12,000.Meanwhile markets remained crowded with people purchasing colours, gujhiya and water sprinklers on Monday. The police have ensured strict security for a safe celebration. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !