Holi generally referred as the festival of colours of a festival of love. It is celebrated with the triumph of good over evil and defeat of Holika, the devil king Hiranyakashyup sister. The first day of Holi refers to as Holika Dahan, and the actual celebration starts by burning the Holika bonfire. This year the Holika Dahan 2017 Time starts on the evening of 12th March 2017. Know the Holi Puja Significance from this page.
Holika was set on fire when she tried to kill Prahlad (Hiranyakashap’s son) for chanting Lord Vishnu mantra. Holi got its name from that, and the festival has celebrated the death of Holika. People follow Holi Puja Vidhi or rituals before celebrating. For performing the rituals, people have to know the Pooja Muhurat.
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In olden days, people use a piece of wood to lite up the bonfire of Holika Dahan, and this represents the Holika killing her brother Hiranyakashup. A fire burnt on the eve of Holi symbolises the burning of Holika. People prepare traditional Holi Sweets, delicious Holi recipes and invite family members to celebrate the festival with each other.
Holi 2017: Holika Dahan timings, Pooja Muhurat, Holi Puja Vidhi
Holika Dahan
On the eve of Holi, typically after the sunset, pyre is lit which signifies the Holika Dahan. The legend of Prahlad and Holika was made up of cow dung. In the centre of the ground, the beads, garlands and the idols of Prahlad and Holika will be placed. Once the Holika Dahan was started the idol of Prahlad will be taken out and the idol the Holika will be kept burning which represents Dahan.
Holika Dahan 2017 Time
- Holika Dahan 2017 Time starts from 6.23pm and continues till 8.23pm on 12th March evening. The duration of Holika Dahan is about two hours.
- Bhadra Punchha starts from 4:11 pm to 5:23 pm.
- Bhadra Mukha starts from 5:23 pm to 7:23 pm.
- Rang Panchami (festival of colours) on 13th March 2017.
Holi Puja Vidhi
People offer traditional food to the Holika pile before setting the fire. After Holika Dahan starts people take seven rounds around the bonfire which is known as Parikarma. Once the fire is over, people take the ashes to their home. Some rub the little amount of ash on their body to keep the evil away from them.
Holi Pooja Samigri
Holi festival Pooja also has a special thali specially decorated to please the deities. The Holi Pooja Thali consist of beads made up of cow dung, unbroken rice or Akshat, Moong Dal, Batasha, Coconut, Roli, Agarbattis (incense sticks) and Dhoop, raw cotton thread, flowers, water and some Gulaal.
Holi Mantra
On this day, while performing pooja rituals people chanter Holi Mantra which is Narshima Mantra to please Lord Vishnu (Lord Narshima is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu).
- Ugram Veeram Maha Vishnum Jwalantam Sarvato Mukham Nrisimham Bheeshanam Bhadram Mritoymrityum Namamyaham