Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, is observed a day before Rangwali Holi. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The evening is marked by lighting a sacred bonfire, where communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, joy over sorrow, and goodness over evil. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the date, timings, rituals, and significance of Choti Holi 2025.
When is Choti Holi 2025?
Choti Holi falls in the Hindu month of Phalgun, corresponding to February or March on the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Holika Dahan will take place on the evening of March 13, while Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on Friday, March 14.
Choti Holi 2025 Shubh Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)
As per Drik Panchang, the favorable time for Holika Dahan is:
Holika Dahan Muhurat: 11:26 PM (March 13) – 12:30 AM (March 14)
Duration: 1 Hour 04 Minutes
Bhadra Punchha: 6:57 PM – 8:14 PM
Bhadra Mukha: 8:14 PM – 10:22 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins: 10:35 AM (March 13, 2025)
Purnima Tithi Ends: 12:23 AM (March 14, 2025)
Note: It is auspicious to perform Holika Dahan during Pradosh Kaal while Bhadra is still ongoing.
Puja Vidhi and Samagri for Choti Holi 2025
Holika Dahan is performed by lighting a bonfire that represents the triumph of good over evil. The ritual involves gathering around the fire with loved ones and offering prayers.
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Puja Procedure (Vidhi):
Worship the Pyre: Before lighting the fire, devotees circumambulate the woodpile three or seven times while wrapping it with a sacred white thread.
Offerings: Holy water, kumkum, and flowers are offered to the pyre.
Holika Effigy: An effigy of Holika is burned, symbolizing the destruction of negative energies.
Roasting Cereals: Roasting green cereals in the fire is a customary practice for blessings and prosperity.
Essential Puja Samagri (Items):
Gangajal (holy water)
Cow dung garland
Akshat (unbroken rice)
Flowers, roli (red powder), and moli (sacred thread)
Jaggery, turmeric, and moong dal
Batashe (sugar discs) and gulal (colored powder)
Coconut and wheat baaliyan (ears of wheat)
History and Significance of Choti Holi
The origins of Holika Dahan trace back to the mythological tale of Hiranyakashipu and his devout son Prahlad. Hiranyakashipu, a demon king granted a boon of near-immortality, demanded that everyone worship him. However, his son Prahlad remained devoted to Lord Vishnu, enraging his father.
To destroy Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu sought the help of his sister Holika, who had a fire-resistant shawl. When Holika sat on a burning pyre with Prahlad, divine intervention caused the shawl to protect Prahlad while Holika was consumed by the flames. This event signifies the victory of good over evil and is commemorated through the Holika Dahan ritual.
On this day, Hindus burn Holika effigies to symbolize the destruction of evil forces, seek divine blessings for happiness and prosperity, and embrace a fresh start free from negativity.
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