Significance Of Holika Dahan

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Holika Dahan is a popular ritual followed in the Northern parts of India. The festival of Holi gets its name from this very ritual of Holika Dahan. The phrase Holika Dahan literally means burning Holika.

The Holika Dahan or burning of Holika takes place on the eve of Holi. The day when Holika is burnt is also known as Choti Holi or small Holi. The people create a bonfire on this day and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

We are sure many of you are familiar with the story of Holika. However if some of you do not know about it, then take a look.

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Story Of Holika
Once there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was against the worship of Gods. Hiranyakashipu had a boon that he would neither be killed by a human nor an animal, neither at night nor at day, neither in his house nor outside, neither by any arms nor ammunition. After he received this boon, Hiranyakashipu became arrogant and started believing that he was invincible. He started treating everyone cruelly and banned the worship of Gods and Goddesses in his kingdom.

Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahlad. Prahlad was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tortured him in every way so that he would stop worshipping Lord Vishnu. But Prahlad was adamant. So, as a last resort Hiranyakashipu summoned his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Holika had a boon that she would never be harmed by fire. So, Holika took Prahlad on her lap and sat on a burning pyre. As she committed an act so sinful, her boon became unfruitful. She was consumed by the fire and Prahlad came out safely.

Thus, the evil was destroyed and faith of the people on God was restored.

Tradition Of Holika Dahan
It is stated in the Vedas that one day before the Holikotsav a sacred fire was burnt and specific mantras to ward off evil were recited during the burning ritual. The fire was burnt with the objective to destroy the demonic forces.

Some texts also mention a different version of Holika Dahan. According the texts, the parched cereals and grains are collectively called 'Holka' in Sanskrit. It is believed that the word Holi or Holika is derived from Holka or grains. These parched grains were used to perform 'hawana' or sacred fire . The sacred ash obtained from this fire ritual was known as the Bhumi Hari. This ash was smeared on the forehead of the person participating in the ritual to keep away evil spirits. Till date, this ritual of offering food grains to the bonfire is followed.

Significance Of Holika Dahan
The preparations of Holika Dahan start 40 days before the festival. People gather twigs, logs, dry leaves etc. Then on the night of Phalgun Purnima, the bonfire is set alight amidst chanting of the Rakshogana mantras which help to ward off evil spirits.Next morning the ashes of the fire are collected and smeared on the body before taking a bath.

The burning of Holika signifies the triumph of good over evil and that the bad forces around you can never win if you have a strong will. Holika represents the negative forces which get burnt against the strong will of human which is denoted by Prahlad.

Hence, Holika Dahan forms a crucial part of the Holi celebrations.