Holika Dahan 2026: Every year, the festival of Holi is celebrated all over the country on the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. A day before this, Holika Dahan is performed on the full moon day of Phalgun month. The festival of Holika Dahan is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. This year the full moon of Phalgun month is on 03 March. In such a situation, Holika Dahan will be performed on March 03 this year.
Next day on March 4, Holi will be played with colors. Holika Dahan is also called Chhoti Holi. It is believed that the sacred fire of Holika has the power to eliminate all kinds of negative powers and troubles, hence one must worship Holika Dahan, but do you know that Holika Dahan is first performed in the court of Mahakal in the country. Let us know why Holika Dahan happens here in the first place?
Why does Holika burn first in the court of Mahakal?
Mahakal is considered the king of Ujjain. According to the old tradition, the people first celebrate the festival at their king’s house. After that they celebrate the festival in their homes. This is the reason why first puja and evening aarti is performed in the temple on the day of Holika Dahan. After this, Holika Dahan is done in the temple courtyard with the chanting of mantras by the priests. It is believed that by burning Holika in Mahakal Darbar, the negative powers of the city are removed.
Ash is used in Bhasma Aarti
Devotees from far and wide come to the court of Mahakaal to have darshan of this sacred fire. Holika Dahan of Mahakal Temple is not just burning of wood and cakes, rather it is considered a festival of unwavering faith in Shiva and Shakti. Before this event held in the temple, Gulal is offered to Mahakal Baba. After Holika Dahan in the temple premises on the evening of Phalgun Purnima, the ash of that sacred fire i.e. Vibhuti is used in the special Bhasma Aarti held in Brahma Muhurta the next day. The divine adornment of Lord Mahakal is done with this fresh ash.
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Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.