Phalguna Purnima (Pradosh evening)
Holika Dahan
Also known as Chhoti Holi
Holika Dahan is the bonfire lit on the full-moon evening of Phalguna, the night before Holi. It enacts the burning of the demoness Holika and the saving of the devotee Prahlad: the triumph of devotion over arrogance.
2026
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
2027
Sunday, 21 March 2027
The day at a glance
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Significance
The fire stands for the victory of good over evil and for burning away the past year’s negativity. The exact timing follows the Pradosh-kaal rule (the evening twilight while the Purnima tithi prevails), which is why almanacs occasionally differ by a day.
How Holika Dahan is observed
A pyre of wood and dried cow-dung is built at a crossroads or courtyard and lit after sunset; people circle it, offer grains and coconut, and gather the embers as blessed ash. Holi’s colour play follows the next morning.
Puja Muhurat
Holika Dahan is lit in the Pradosh Kaal after sunset while Purnima prevails but never during Bhadra (the Vishti karana), which occupies the first half of Purnima. When Bhadra covers that whole evening, tradition moves the rite to the Purnima day’s own Pradosh, even if the tithi has ended by then.
Timings for Ujjain
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FAQ
What is the story behind Holika Dahan?
Holika, sister of the tyrant Hiranyakashipu, tried to burn the boy-devotee Prahlad but was herself consumed while he was saved: devotion over evil.
Why do sources sometimes differ on the date?
The bonfire must fall in Pradosh-kaal (evening twilight) while Purnima prevails; when Purnima straddles two evenings, almanacs can choose different days.
How is Holika Dahan different from Holi?
Holika Dahan is the bonfire on the eve; Holi (Dhulandi) is the colour-throwing the next day.
Around the same season
Plan around Holika Dahan
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