Holi, the festival of colours, falls on the full moon (Purnima) of Phalguna in March. It celebrates the triumph of devotion over ego and the arrival of spring, and begins the evening before with Holika Dahan.
Holika Dahan muhurat
The bonfire of Holika Dahan should be lit during a specific evening window on Purnima, and traditionally avoided during Bhadra, an inauspicious period that sometimes overlaps the evening. Because this varies year to year and by city, confirm the muhurat on the Panchang.
The meaning
Holika Dahan symbolises burning away negativity, ego and the past year’s troubles. Many people quietly set an intention to release a bad habit or grievance as the fire burns.
A colourful tip by element
- Fire signs: reds and oranges for energy
- Earth signs: greens for grounding and growth
- Air signs: yellows for clarity
- Water signs: blues for calm
Frequently asked questions
Why must Holika Dahan avoid Bhadra? Bhadra is traditionally considered inauspicious for auspicious fire rituals, so the muhurat is chosen to fall outside it.
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