Holika Dahan – celebration on the eve of Holi!
Recommended for Foundational Grades
Holika Dahan Holi is one of the most colourful Hindu festivals celebrated in India. On the eve of Holi, after sunset, a bonfire is lit, signifying Holika Dahan. This symbolises the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance around the fire and also perform parikrama (walk around) of the fire.
A mythological tale about Holika Dahan
- The most common one is the Holika and Prahlad story. There was a king named Hiranyakashyap, who thought he was greater than God and wanted everyone to worship him.
- His son Prahlad refused to worship him as a god and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead. This made Hiranyakashyap very angry. He tried to kill his son but failed many times.
- Finally, Hiranyakashyapu turned to his sister Holika for help. Holika had a gift which meant that fire could not burn her. So, she sat on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap.
- When the fire was lit, Prahlad kept praying to Lord Vishnu to save him. The protective cloak of Holika flew over Prahlad and saved him while Holika perished in the fire.
One of the grandest Holika Dahan ceremonies in the country is held every year at the City Palace of Udaipur, in Rajasthan, known as ‘Mewar Holika Dahan’.
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