Holi 2020: Do You Know The Real Reason Behind Holi’s Bonfire?

In many parts of India, Holi celebrations are incomplete without the ritual of ‘Holika Dahan’ which is Holi’s bonfire. For many, it is similar to Lohri’s bonfire. Not many know the real reason behind Holika Dahan. This ritual has its roots from the mythology. Let us read to know more.

‘Once upon a time, there lived an evil king Hiranyakashyap.’ Sounds similar? Have heard this before? The story of evil king Hiranyakashyap trying to kill his son Prahlaad who was a devotee of Narayan was told to nearly every kid in the childhood. The same story has the reasons of Holika Dahan celebrations.

The excerpt where Hiranyakashyap asks his sister Holika to sit in a pyre with Prahlaad on her lap is the reason behind the Holika Dahan. Actually, Holika had the power of not catching fire ever. So she was asked by her brother to sit in the pyre along with Prahlaad. Lord Narayan turned the tables when Prahlaad started praying him while sitting in the fire. Holika caught fire and Prahlaad got saved.

Hence, every year, a night before Holi, ritual of Holika Dahan is followed to celebrate victory of good over evil. People collect chunks of woods and cow dung cakes to put in the pyre. Holika Dahan incudes get togethers along with dance and music, prasad and sweet dishes especially gujhiya and Puja of course.

So, now you know the real reason behind Holika Dahan! It is not just a ritual followed blindly as a tradition. Indeed, it has a deep meaning behind it which now you know. So gear up, prepare for the bonfire. It is a bonus for everyone. A night before will be the fun of Holika Dahan and the next day will be the fun of Holi celebrations with colours, pichkaris and thandai!