Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan (Sanskrit: होलिका दाहन्, romanized: Holikā Dāhana, lit. 'Burning of Holika'), rendered Holika Dahanam in Sanskrit, is a Hindu occasion that celebrates the legend Holika and Prahlada. According to legend, having acquired a boon that rendered her invulnerable to fire, Holika attempted to kill her nephew Prahlada by sitting with him upon a bonfire. However, she got burnt herself and Prahlada was saved.[2] It precedes the occasion of Holi, the festival of colours, which celebrates the spring season.[3]

Holika Dahan
Holi Bonfire at Shri Ram Chowk, I.P Extension, Delhi.
Observed byHindus
TypeHindu
SignificanceVictory of righteousness over unrighteousness
Incineration of Kamadeva into ash by Shiva
CelebrationsBonfires, celebrations
DateFourteenth day of the waxing half of the Hindu month Phalguna[1]
Related toHoli

In South India, this occasion is called Kama Dahanam,[4][5] and is associated with the legend of Shiva burning Kamadeva with his third eye to ashes.[6] Pantomimes of Kamadeva are performed on this occasion in rural Tamil Nadu, and his effigies are burnt.[7]

Significance
Main article: Holika

Days before the festival of Holi, people start gathering wood and combustible materials for the bonfire in parks, community centers, near temples, and other open spaces. Inside homes, people stock up on color pigments, food, party drinks and festive seasonal foods such as gujiya, mathri, malpuas, and other regional delicacies.

Woman preparing for Holika Dahan, Kathamandu, Nepal

The night before Holi, pyres are burnt in North India, Nepal, and parts of South India in keeping with this tradition.[8]

In some parts of North India the day is called Holika Dahan.[9] while in other parts like Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar) as well as Terai regions of Nepal it is called Sammat Jaarna. Bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi to symbolise the burning of Holika.

References
  1. Religious Holidays and Calendars: An Encyclopedic Handbook. Omnigraphics. 1998. ISBN 9780780802582.
  2. https://www.hindufaqs.com/story-of-holi-dahan-the-holy-fire-burning-of-holi-bonfire/
  3. Gakhar, Roshan (2022-06-17). Human Nature: Love & Happiness. Notion Press. p. 65. ISBN 979-8-88704-336-4.
  4. Kumar, Tumuluru Kamal (2015-04-21). Hindu Prayers, Gods and Festivals. Partridge Publishing. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-4828-4708-6.
  5. Verma, Rajeev (2009). Faith & Philosophy of Hinduism. Gyan Publishing House. p. 255. ISBN 978-81-7835-718-8.
  6. Gopal, Dr Krishna (2003). Fairs and Festivals of India. Gyan Publishing House. p. 344. ISBN 978-81-212-0809-3.
  7. Sharma, Usha (2008-01-01). Festivals In Indian Society (2 Vols. Set). Mittal Publications. p. 81. ISBN 978-81-8324-113-7.
  8. Singh, S. Harpal (27 March 2013). "Forests bear the brunt of Holi". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 January 2020 – via www.thehindu.com.
  9. "Holika Dahan Burning Time and Muhurat in 2020 All Around the World". Holi festival 2020. 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.