Deepak Neupane, kathmandu : Holika Dahan is a major ritual followed to mark the beginning of Holi celebrations Hindu relizion Nepal and India. It is believed commonly that all kinds of fear can be conquered by performing the Holika Puja on Holi or the night before Holi. Holika Puja bestows power, prosperity and wealth on the family members. Even though Holika was a demoness, it is believed that she was created or born to ward off all sorts of fear. Now she is worshipped along with Prahlada before Holika Dahan and this is connected to the legend of Lord Narsimha. The Holika fire represents the pyre that Holika sat in along with Prahlada to kill him but which ended up killing Holika.
Most of the time, the time of puja is the dusk. Even though the actual muhurta may change, the general time of puja remains almost same. So enjoy this Holika Dahan in the evening and wish for the happiness of close ones and yourself. This is also a fun time to enjoy with family while having some roasted grains and chatting the evening away with some warmth to keep you company!
The rituals include making a bonfire with cow dung and woods on a ground washed with cow dung and water from the Ganges. Other constituents for the puja include roli, Akshat rice, incense sticks or dhoop, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, unbroken lentil of Moong, Batasha, Gulal powder and coconut- all of these are generally prepared before the beginning of puja and are used throughout the course of the rituals. Men and women alike perform the puja and tie the raw cotton thread around the unlit bonfire while going around the bonfire.
Most of the time, a group of families in the same locality perform the rituals together. This is considered to be very important and auspicious for the health, prosperity and happiness of everyone in the family. All the intonations and chants that are recited by the devotees stand for wishing health, joy and prosperity which is the purpose behind celebrating the festival of Holi! After these rituals, the Holika bonfire is burnt. This is significant of Holika burning in the fire while Prahlada remains unharmed. IT strongly signifies the victory of good over evil and gives hope to everyone for a better tomorrow. Everyone wears the Roli around their wrists, take blessings from the elders and circumambulate the Holika bonfire. People may also offer grains from new crops such as grams to the fire to roast them. The roasted grains are then distributed among the devotees. Thus the rituals of Holika Dahan come to an end. People usually smear a little colour on each other, especially to elders while taking their blessings to mark the beginning of Holi which ushers in the spring! On the next day, when Holi is celebrated with colours, the ash from the Holika Dahan is smeared on the body before playing with colours. The ash is considered to purify the body and soul and marks a new beginning.
