Holika dahan (Indian Festival)

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RAJESH R MENON
Holika dahan

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Holika Dahan is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the night before the festival of Holi. It is also known as Chhoti Holi or Small Holi. The word "Dahan" means burning, and Holika Dahan literally means burning of Holika.

According to Hindu mythology, Holika Dahan commemorates the victory of good over evil. The festival celebrates the story of Prahlad, a young boy who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad's father, Hiranyakashipu, was a demon king who did not believe in Lord Vishnu and wanted everyone to worship him instead. Hiranyakashipu tried various ways to kill Prahlad, but he was protected by Lord Vishnu. Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, tried to kill Prahlad by sitting on a pyre with him. However, due to Lord Vishnu's blessings, Holika was burnt to ashes, and Prahlad was saved.

Holika Dahan is celebrated by lighting bonfires and burning effigies of Holika in many parts of India. People also perform puja (worship) and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is believed that the bonfire helps in destroying all the negative energy and evil spirits and brings positivity and good luck to people's lives.