Choti Holi 2023: Date, history and significance of Holika Dahan

Updated on: Mar 7, 2023, 12:23:13 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Holika Dahan also Kamudu pyre is celebrated by burning Holika, the devil. For many traditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the killing of Holika by Vishnu in order to save Prahlad, a devotee of God Vishnu. (Milind Saurkar/HT Photo)

Choti Holi is a time for joy and celebration! From history to significance, here is all you want to know about this auspicious occasion.

Choti Holi 2023: This traditional Hindu festival, also known as Holika Dahan or choti Holi, is a lively and joyful occasion that brings people together for prayer, socializing, and fun. With bonfires lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil, and the burning of Holika representing the triumph of devotion over wickedness, Choti Holi is a festival full of meaning and symbolism. So join in the festivities, smear some colours, and indulge in some delicious sweets - Choti Holi is a time for joy and celebration! From history to significance, here is all you want to know about this auspicious festival.

(Also read: Choti Holi 2023: Is Holika Dahan on March 6 or 7? Know city-wise muhurat, puja vidhi, samagri, history, story and more )

When is Choti Holi 2023?

Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, will be celebrated across India on March 07. According to the Drik Panchang calendar, the Purnima Tithi will start at 04:17 PM on March 06 and conclude at 06:09 PM on March 07, 2023.

Holika Dahan Muhurta: 06:24 PM to 08:51 PM

Bhadra Punchha: 12:43 AM to 02:01 AM

Bhadra Mukha: 02:01 AM to 04:11 AM

History of Choti Holi:

Choti Holi comes with a lot of historical significance and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The story behind Choti Holi is centred around the demon king Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap was a tyrant who believed himself to be the most powerful being in the universe and demanded that everyone worship him. However, Prahlad refused to do so and continued to worship Lord Vishnu, which enraged his father.

Hiranyakashyap decided to kill his son, and he enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire. Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting on a pyre with her, hoping that he would perish in the flames. But to everyone's amazement, it was Holika who was burned to ashes, while Prahlad emerged unscathed. This event symbolized the victory of good over evil and is celebrated as Choti Holi.

Significance of Holika Dahan:

The festival is primarily associated with the triumph of good over evil and the victory of devotion over wickedness. It is believed that the bonfires that are lit on this day represent the burning of the demoness Holika, who was killed while trying to kill Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Holika's death symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness over sin.

Holika Dahan also signifies the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. It is a time for people to come together, socialize, and have fun. In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Holika Dahan also has ecological significance. The bonfires that are lit on this day are made from dried leaves and twigs, which helps in the cleansing of the environment and the prevention of diseases.

Follow more stories on Facebook & Twitter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News, Merry Christmas 2025 on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.