Holi 2024: Know The Story Behind Holika Dahan

Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, lasts for two days each year. It begins with a special event called Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, where a bonfire is lit to show that good always triumphs over evil.

This kicks off the Holi celebrations and makes everyone happy. The next day is all about Rangwali Holi when people joyfully throw colourful powders and water at each other. It is a day of laughter, fun, and coming together to celebrate our uniqueness.

Holi, the colourful festival, lasts for two days each year. It starts with Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, where a bonfire is lit to signify the victory of good over evil. This begins the festivities of Holi and brings joy to everyone. The following day is Rangwali Holi, filled with laughter and fun as people play with colours and water. It is a day of togetherness and celebration of our differences.

Although traditionally Holi lasts for two days, in some places, the festivities continue for five days. The fifth day, called Ranga Panchami, keeps the colourful spirit going with more celebrations. During these days, communities bond and make wonderful memories together. Whether it’s two days or five, Holi always brings people closer, spreading happiness and celebrating the joy of life.

Holi is celebrated on different dates every year. This year Holi falls on March 25, 2024, with Holika Dahan on March 24, 2024.

Who is Holika?

Holika, sister of King Hiranyakashipu, and Prahlad’s aunt, is worshipped during Holi. On the night before Holi, we light a pyre called Holika Dahan. Everyone comes together to sing and dance around it. The next day is Holi, where we play with colours.
Ever wondered why we worship a demoness during Holi? It is because people believe Holika could make fears go away and bring good luck. So, before the Holika Dahan ritual, we honour her along with Prahlad.

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Holika Dahan story

According to the Bhagavat Purana, there was once a king named Hiranyakashipu who wanted special powers. He did intense penance until Brahma granted him a boon. This boon made him invincible: he could not be killed by humans or animals, inside or outside, during the day or night, by thrown or handheld weapons, or on land, in water, or in the air.

After getting his wish granted, Hiranyakashipu thought he was unbeatable and became very proud. He ordered everyone to worship only him, punishing or killing those who did not obey. But his son Prahlad disagreed and kept worshipping Lord Vishnu. This made Hiranyakashipu furious, and he tried many times to kill Prahlad, but Lord Vishnu always protected him. Feeling defeated, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister, Holika, for help.

Holika had a special power that made her safe from fire. But she forgot it only worked when she went into the fire alone, and she got burned. Prahlad, who kept praying to Lord Narayana, came out safely because of his strong faith. Then Lord Vishnu as Narasimha killed the demon king Hiranyakashipu.

So, Holi is named after Holika, and every year people act out her burning to show that good always wins over evil. The story tells us that no matter how strong someone is, they cannot harm a true believer. Those who trouble sincere devotees of God will face consequences.