Here's how the country celebrated Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan is a festival full of meaning and symbolism. The ritual of lighting the sacred bonfire stems from the legend of Holika.

Published on: Mar 25, 2024 10:27 AM IST

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Holika Dahan or choti Holi, a ritual associated with the festival of colours, Holi, is marked across the country on the eve of Holi. This year, it was celebrated on March 24.  (ANI)

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Women perform rituals during preparation of Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi festival in Patna, Bihar. (HT Photo/Santosh Kumar)

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Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde lights a bonfire on the occasion of Holika Dahan, at CM Varsha residence in Mumbai on Sunday. All the officers and employees of Chief Minister's Office were present on this occasion. (X/@mieknathshinde)

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People perform Holika Dahan on the eve of the Holi festival, at Holi ground in Gurugram on Sunday. A bonfire is lit to celebrate the burning of the demoness, Holika. (ANI)

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Children smear each other with colours during Holika Dahan on the eve of the Holi festival, at Model Town in Patiala on Sunday. (ANI)

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During Holika Dahan, devotees walk and pray around bonfires carrying vessels full of water. In this photo, devotees can be seen offering prayers during the festival at Sector 22, in Noida. (HT Photo/Sunil Ghosh)

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The tradition of lighting bonfires symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of the joyous festival of Holi.  (HT Photo/Sunil Ghosh)

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According to Hindu mythology, there was once a demon king named Hiranyakashipu, who was against his son Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu. As a result, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika to kill Prahlad.  (ANI)

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However, when Holika tried to kill Prahlad by dragging him to a pyre, she was consumed by the fire herself while Prahlada emerged unscathed, with the blessings of Lord Vishnu.  (ANI)