Ranchi Gears Up for Holika Dahan: Community Bonfires and Celebrations Planned

Ranchi: Residents are gearing up for ‘Holika Dahan’, with community bonfires set to be lit on Monday and Tuesday nights across various neighbourhoods. From gated societies to traditional localities, residents are arranging wood piles, decorating the sites, and coordinating through community committees to ensure a peaceful celebration.

“In our society, everyone contributes; some bring wood, others arrange colours and sweets. It has become a tradition that unites all families,” said Ritu Sinha, a resident of Harmu Housing Colony. Another resident, Ankit Verma from Lalpur, said, “Children are especially excited. We ensure safety measures like keeping water buckets nearby and maintaining distance during the bonfire.”


Priest Amit Pathak said that the auspicious time for Holika Dahan falls on Monday night, while an alternative time is available after 4:56 am on Tuesday. “However, since there will be a lunar eclipse on Tuesday evening, many people prefer performing Holika Dahan on Monday night,” he said.

Markets are witnessing brisk activity, with shops stocking puja items, colours, and decorative materials.

“We prepared nearly 2,000 cow dung cakes over the past week, drying them properly so they burn steadily during Holika Dahan. Since Saturday, demand picked up sharply. This year, sales are at least 20-25% higher compared to last year,” said Ramesh Yadav, a cattle rearer from Dhurwa.