Holika Dahan 2025: Essential dos and don’ts for a prosperous celebration

Mumbai: The festival of Holi is set to be celebrated on 14 March 2025, with Holika Dahan taking place a day earlier on 13 March. Every year, Holika Dahan is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. This year, the auspicious occasion will coincide with the presence of Bhadra Kaal, a significant astrological period. The favourable timing (muhurat) for Holika Dahan will begin at 11:26 PM on 13 March and conclude at 12:48 AM at midnight. Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, is an important prelude to the grand festivities of Holi.

Before lighting the sacred fire, people perform a ceremonial worship of Holika. It is a longstanding tradition to circumambulate the fire after it is lit, signifying the triumph of good over evil. According to religious beliefs, the fire of Holika Dahan is considered highly sacred, and it is advised not to offer anything impure into the flames, as it is believed to bring negative energy into one’s life. Here is a detailed guide on what should and should not be offered during the Holika Dahan ritual.

Items to Avoid in Holika Dahan

The fire of Holika Dahan holds immense religious significance, and certain items should be strictly avoided:

Dirty Clothes and Waste Materials: Items such as old clothes, worn-out tyres, or any waste materials should not be burned, as it is believed to bring the malefic effects of Mars (Mangal Grah) into one’s life.
Water-filled Coconut: Only dry coconuts should be offered in the sacred fire. Offering a water-filled coconut is considered inauspicious and may negatively affect the positioning of the Moon in one’s astrological chart, potentially leading to various life challenges.
Broken Wooden Furniture: Items like broken beds, sofas, or wooden cabinets should not be placed in the fire, as they are thought to invite the unfavourable influence of Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu, which can bring hardships to one’s family.
Homemade Sweets in Odd Numbers: If offering homemade sweets such as Gujiya, ensure that the count is not exactly three, as it is considered inauspicious.
Dry Wheat Ears and Wilted Flowers: These items should also be avoided, as they may bring undesirable consequences in life.

Items to Offer in Holika Dahan

While some offerings are prohibited, there are several items considered highly auspicious when placed in the Holika fire:

Dry Coconut: Considered a symbol of purity and devotion, dry coconut is one of the most significant offerings.
Akshat (Unbroken Rice) and Fresh Flowers: These are believed to bring prosperity and good luck.
Whole Green Moong Dal, Turmeric, and Cow Dung Cakes: These offerings are thought to purify the environment and attract positive energy.
Water and Gulal in a Silver or Copper Vessel: Offering water and coloured powders in a silver or copper vessel is believed to bring blessings and harmony to one’s life.

Observing these traditions correctly ensures that Holika Dahan is performed in a spiritually uplifting and auspicious manner, paving the way for a joyous Holi celebration.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)

Discover the essential rituals and items to avoid for Holika Dahan 2025. Follow our guide to ensure an auspicious celebration and invite prosperity into your life. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips