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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.
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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).