2018 Rangwali Holi ,Dhulandi Date, Holika Dahan Muhurta

Days before the festival people start gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples and other open spaces. On top of the pyre is an effigy to signify Holika who tricked Prahalad into the fire. Inside homes, people stock up on color pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas and other regional delicacies.

Holika Dahan

On the eve of Holi, typically at or after sunset, the pyre is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance around the fire. People also perform parikrama on fire.

The next day people play Holi, the popular festival of colors.

Reason For Holika Dahan

• Vishnu stepped in and hence Holika burnt.
• Holika was given the power by the Brahma on the understanding that it can never be used to bring harm to anyone,
• Holika was a good person and it was the clothes that she wore that gave her the power and knowing that what was happening was wrong, she gave them to Prahlad and hence died herself.
• Holika wore a shawl that would protect her from the fire. So when she was asked to sit in the fire with Prahlad she put on the shawl and sat Prahlad down in her lap. When the fire was lit Prahlad began praying to Lord Vishnu. So Lord Vishnu summoned a gust of wind to blow the shawl off of Holika and on to Prahlad, saving him from the flames of the bonfire and burning Holika to her death

Thaipusam 2018 Date: Why we are celebrating Thaipusam?