Holika Dahan, a ritual according to Hindu Religion which is on the first day of the Holi Festival. On one side are many mythological stories behind the ritual of Holika Dahan and on the other side there are cultural, social, biological, and environmental significance of the bonfire ritual.

Preparing a Pyre for bonfire of Holika Dahan

Many days before the Holika Dahan or the bonfire day, peoples starts collecting the woods and the combustibles for creating bonfire pyre. Generaly a flag or an effigy is placed on top of this bonfire to signify the devil Holika who set on the fire with Prahalada for burying and killing him. In certain locations in India people also place an earthen pot in center, below the bonfire pyre containing wheat, red gram, green gram and water, which is distributed amongst the people the next morning as Prasada. In India this bonfire pyre is generally placed at the crossroad or in open compounds where people can gather and follow the rituals related to Holika Dahan.

Lit up the bonfire on eve of Holika Dahan

On the evening of Holika Dahan people gather around the bonfire pyre and set to to fire by or after sunset. All people circumambulate around the bonfire with joined hands. In certain region of India people also circumambulate by carrying a small round copper pot with water in it and placing a cocont on the opening of the pot and while circumambulating they keep dropping certain amount of water from the pot. After that the coconut is thrown on the bonfire. After certain time this coconut is taken back from the bonfire and is distributed as Prasada.

People around pray to destroy their inner evil with the burning Holika. On this day people forget and forgive all old conflicts and begin with a refreshed relationship. People pay ond forgive debts, forgive mistakes and forget misunderstandings, embress every one with love and warmth.

On the next day to Holika Dahan, people cheer up and enjoy playing Dhuleti with colors and flowers also and saying 'Bura na maano Holi Hai'.