Fri Mar 07 16:06:05 UTC 2025: ## Holika Dahan 2025: Festival of Good Over Evil Celebrated on March 13th
**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – Hindus across the country will celebrate Holika Dahan, the eve of Holi, on Thursday, March 13th, 2025. This significant ritual marks the triumph of good over evil and commemorates the mythological victory of Lord Vishnu over the demoness Holika.
The auspicious Holika Dahan muhurat (auspicious time) falls between 11:26 pm on March 13th and 12:30 am on March 14th. Devotees are encouraged to perform rituals within this timeframe for maximum spiritual benefit. Specific timings, including the avoidance of the Bhadra period (6:57 pm to 10:22 pm on March 13th), are crucial to the ritual’s success.
The central act of Holika Dahan involves the burning of an effigy of Holika. This is accompanied by chanting of mantras and prayers for peace and prosperity. Devotees circumambulate the bonfire three, five, or seven times, offering water before finally dispersing the ashes. Following the bonfire, participants receive tilak (forehead markings) and share seasonal treats. Some also take home a portion of the ashes, considered auspicious.
The festival’s significance stems from the legend of Prahlada, a devout Vishnu follower, and his wicked uncle, Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu, enraged by Prahlada’s faith, conspired with his sister Holika, who possessed a divine shawl granting fire immunity, to burn Prahlada alive. However, due to Prahlada’s devotion, the shawl protected him instead, leading to Holika’s demise. This story underscores the enduring power of faith and the ultimate victory of good over evil, a message central to the Holika Dahan celebration.
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