Holika Dahan 2025: Why the ritual must be performed after 11pm on March 13

Holi festivities have begun across the country Rooted in ancient mythology Holika Dahan symbolises the burning away of negativity and the arrival of prosperity and harmony It is believed to be a time for spiritual cleansing community bonding and celebrating the arrival of springHolika Dahan 2025 Date and auspicious timingsThe rituals of Holika Dahan are performed during the most auspicious period muhurat calculated based on lunar positioning For 2025 the key timings arePurnima tithi begins March 13 ndash 1035 amPurnima tithi ends March 14 ndash 1223 pmHolika Dahan muhurat March 13 ndash 1126 pm to 1248 am March 14Source DrikpanchangAvoiding Bhadra periodAccording to Hindu tradition performing Holika Dahan during the Bhadra period is considered unluckyBhadra punchha March 13 ndash 657 pm to 814 pmBhadra mukha March 13ndash 814 pm to 1022 pmSource DrikpanchangThe recommended time for Holika Dahan is after the Bhadra period ends during the Pradosh Kaal evening period after sunsetThe story behind Holika DahanThe legend of Holika Dahan revolves around Prahlad a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and his father Hiranyakashipu The demon king had gained immense power through a blessing from Lord Brahma making him nearly invincible His arrogance led him to demand that everyone worship him as a God However his own son Prahlad remained a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to accept his fatherrsquos supremacyInfuriated by his sonrsquos defiance Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad multiple times but Prahladrsquos faith in Lord Vishnu protected him Desperate to end his sonrsquos devotion Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister Holika who possessed a magical cloak that made her immune to fire Holika sat with Prahlad on a burning pyre believing the flames would consume him while she would remain unharmedHowever divine justice intervened the protective cloak flew off Holika and wrapped around Prahlad saving him Holika was reduced to ashes in the fire while Prahlad emerged unscathed This miraculous event symbolises the triumph of faith and goodness over arrogance and evil a message celebrated every year through the burning of HolikaSignificance of Holika DahanVictory of good over evil Holika Dahan symbolises the destruction of arrogance evil and deceit Prahlads unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu is seen as a reminder that truth and righteousness will always prevailSpiritual cleansing Burning the effigy of Holika represents letting go of negativity grudges bad habits and dark thoughts to make way for positive energySeasonal change Holika Dahan marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring a time of renewal and abundance The festival celebrates naturersquos rebirth and the arrival of warmer daysThe day after Holika Dahan Rangwali Holi is celebrated with vibrant colours music and joy People take to the streets to throw coloured powders at each other dance to festive music and enjoy traditional sweets like gujiya and thandaiLetrsquos celebrate Holi to forgive and forget repair broken relationships and embrace the joy of life