According to Hindu calendar, on which day does Holika Dahan take place?

Key Points

• Holika Dahan takes place on Phalgun Poornima, which is the full moon day in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar.
• This festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by lighting bonfires.
• The bonfire signifies the burning of the demoness Holika, who was defeated by the devotee Prahlad with the help of Lord Vishnu.
• Holika Dahan is an important ritual preceding the festival of Holi, the festival of colors.

Additional Information

• Holi is celebrated on the day following Holika Dahan and is one of the most vibrant festivals in India.
• The festival signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter, and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.
• Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with Holika Dahan where people gather, perform religious rituals in front of the bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika was killed in the fire.
• The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi – a free-for-all festival of colors, where people smear each other with colors and drench each other.
• Water guns and water-filled balloons are also used to play and color each other.