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Holika Dahan is performed during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset) on the Purnima tithi of Phalguna month, when Bhadra has ended. The fire must be lit only after the Bhadra period has passed.
On this auspicious Phalguna Purnima, I perform this Holika Dahan for the destruction of all evil and negativity, celebrating the triumph of devotee Prahlada over demoness Holika, by the grace of Lord Narasimha. May all sins and obstacles be consumed in this sacred fire.
Days before the festival, collect cow dung cakes, wood logs, and dry material. Build a large pyre in an open community area. Place a wooden post in the center symbolizing Prahlada. Wind raw cotton thread (sutli) around the pyre.
At Pradosh Kaal, place a water pot near the pyre. Arrange kumkum, akshat, flowers, coconut, sesame, and other offerings on a thali. Light the ghee lamp and incense. Invoke Lord Narasimha and Prahlada.
Take sankalpa by holding water in the right palm. Offer akshat and kumkum to the pyre. Place the whole coconut, sesame seeds, new wheat ears, and roasted gram at the base of the pyre as offerings.
Light the pyre from the eastern side while chanting "Asato Ma Sad Gamaya" or Narasimha mantras. The fire symbolizes the burning of all evil. Ensure the central post (Prahlada) remains unharmed as the surrounding material burns.
Perform 3, 5, or 7 parikramas (circumambulations) around the burning pyre in a clockwise direction. While walking, sprinkle water from the pot, offer sesame seeds and akshat into the fire, and chant mantras. Pray for removal of all negativity.
After parikrama, offer final prayers to Lord Narasimha for protection. Apply the sacred ash (bhasma) from the Holika fire to the forehead. Share roasted offerings and sweets with family and community. The next morning is the festival of colours (Dhulandi/Rangwali Holi).
Narasimha Mantra
ॐ उग्रं वीरं महाविष्णुं ज्वलन्तं सर्वतोमुखम्। नृसिंहं भीषणं भद्रं मृत्युमृत्युं नमाम्यहम्॥
oṃ ugraṃ vīraṃ mahāviṣṇuṃ jvalantaṃ sarvatomukham | nṛsiṃhaṃ bhīṣaṇaṃ bhadraṃ mṛtyumṛtyuṃ namāmyaham ||
I bow to Narasimha, the fierce, heroic, great Vishnu, blazing in all directions, terrifying yet auspicious, the death of death itself.
3x Japa CountAsato Ma Mantra (Pavamana)
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
oṃ asato mā sadgamaya | tamaso mā jyotirgamaya | mṛtyormā amṛtaṃ gamaya | oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||
Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. Om peace, peace, peace.
3x Japa CountPrahlada Prayer
ॐ नमो भगवते नरसिंहाय नमस्तेजस्तेजसे आविराविर्भव वज्रनख वज्रदंष्ट्र कर्माशयान् रन्धय रन्धय तमो ग्रस ग्रस ॐ स्वाहा॥
oṃ namo bhagavate narasiṃhāya namastejastejase āvirāvirbhava vajranakha vajradaṃṣṭra karmāśayān randhaya randhaya tamo grasa grasa oṃ svāhā ||
Obeisance to Lord Narasimha, salutation to the radiance of radiance. Appear, appear! O one with diamond claws and teeth, destroy karmic residues, devour darkness. Om Svaha.
1x Japa CountOffer roasted wheat ears (gehun ki bali), coconut pieces, roasted gram, popcorn (laja), and gujiya or other seasonal sweets to the Holika fire. After the fire subsides, distribute roasted offerings as prasad.
Holika Dahan destroys all sins, evil influences, and negativity accumulated over the year. The sacred fire purifies the devotee and the surroundings. It bestows protection from enemies, freedom from fear, and the blessings of Lord Narasimha. The ritual celebrates the eternal triumph of devotion over demonic forces.