Holi : The Festival to Welcome Spring (13th and 14th March 2025)

The festival of Holi is celebrated for two to five days depending on the regional variations from Phalgun Purnima (Full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun) to Krushna Paksha Panchami (Fifth day of the dark fortnight of Phalgun). It has various names such as Hori, Dolyatra in North Bharat; Shimga, Holi, Hutashani Mahotsav and Holika dahan (Burning of Holika) in Goa and Maharashtra, and Kamadahan (Burning of desires) in Kerala, South Bharat. This festival is also called Vasantotsav or Vasantagamanotsav, the festival to welcome the Vasant (Spring) season.

History of Holika dahan

1. Once upon a time a female demon named Dhundha or Dhoundha entered a village and harassed children. She generated diseases. To protect children from the demoness and to make her flee away, Naradmuni advised Samrat Yuddhishtir to perform ‘Holika’.

2. In North Bharat, an effigy of the demoness Putana is made and burnt on the night of Holi. Three days before Holi, Balakrushna is placed in a cradle and His festival is celebrated. On the full moon night of Phalgun, an effigy of Putana is burnt.

3. Once, Deity Shiva was engrossed in penance and was in a state of meditation. At that time, Madan (also known as Kamadev, a Deity instrumental in generating desire) entered His mind. Shiva then opened His eyes to see who was distracting Him and in one glance burnt Madan to ashes. The people of South Bharat celebrate this festival signifying the burning of Kamadev. On this day, an effigy of Madan is made and burnt. Holi has the ability to win over Madan; hence, the festival of Holi is celebrated.

Tradition of Holika dahan festival

Seeing the form of Holi that is prevalent today, one realises that this festival is basically celebrated at the social level. Though with passage of time, a number of religious and cultural rituals have been included in it, yet the social form of this festival has remained intact. Holikotsav, Dhulikotsav and Rangotsav are the three festivals that stand out. Holi, Dhulvad and Rangapanchami are their popular names.

Significance of Holika dahan

Holi is a festival that guides us on the path to embace a sattvik nature by eliminating evil character and bad thoughts in our minds. The aim is to purify the environment by offering oblation in the form of dry wood to the fire.

How to celebrate Holika dahan ?

The Holi has to be lit in front of a temple or at an appropriate place in the evening on Purnima day. Generally, this is done in front of the Gramadevata (Village Deity, the protector of residents of that village).

Ritual of Holika dahan

1. The place where ritualistic worship of Deity Holika is to be performed is first purified by applying cow-dung on the ground.

2. Rangoli is drawn to decorate the place of worship.

3. In the centre, there is minimal dry wood and around it dry cow-dung cakes are arranged.

4. After a bath and recital of the deshkal (Place and time), the person performing the ritual should first make the following resolve – “To get relief from the trouble caused by Dhundha, my family and I worship Holika.”

5. Next, ritualistic worship is performed by offering gandha (Sandalwood paste) and flowers, followed by offering of Naivedya (Food offerred to a Deity as part of ritualistic worship).

6. After this, reciting the mantra prescribed by the scriptures and saying
‘II Holikayai Namaha II’, the fire should be lit and circumambulated.

7. After the fire is completely burnt, it should be pacified by sprinkling milk and ghee.

8. Fruits such as coconut, grapefruit should be distributed to people who have assembled there.

9. Attendees should pray to Deity Holika to obtain Her blessings and energy for performing activities towards Nation-building and protection of Hindu Dharma.

10. The next day at dawn, after paying obeisance to the ash of the Holi, it should be applied to the body and then one should bathe. This prevents adhi-vyadhi (mental suffering and diseases).

11. In the morning, the ash of the Holi should be immersed in flowing water followed by a prayer to Holi.

Celebrating Dhulivandan (Dhulendi or Dhulvad)

Dhulivandan is celebrated on Phalgun Krushna Pratipada, that is the day after Holika dahan. On this day, either ash or dust of Holi is worshipped. After the worship, a prayer is made by reciting the following mantra.

वन्दितासि सुरेन्द्रेण ब्रह्मणा शङ्करेण च ।

अतस्त्वं पाहि नो देवि भूते भूतिप्रदा भव ।।

Meaning : O’ Devi Lakshmi, You are adored, worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar; and that is why O’ Goddess of prosperity, be a bestower of prosperity to us and protect us.

Shri Vishnu performed Dhulivandan at the beginning of Tretayuga. The implied meaning is – Shri Vishnu began His ‘work’ through the Incarnation of various radiant colours. Rangapanchami, played without Dhulivandan signifies the leela (Divine play) of the Incarnation, which is manifest in the form of various colours. Dhulivandan is the worship of the destroyer form of the Deities.

Holi is a festival that guides us to embace a sattvik nature by eliminating evil character and bad thoughts !