Just like any other Indian festival Holi has a mythological significance and various stories around it that would interest everyone, especially kids. The festival of colours Holi marks the beginning of spring in India and has many tales associated with it which talk about the victory of good over evil.
Holi is normally a two day festival in most parts of India, which are known as Choti Holi and Rangwali Holi. Holika Dahan takes place on the even of Holi and has a very significant mythological story to it, which would be interesting for kids to know about.
The significance of Holika dahan
Folklore says that Holika, the sister of King Hiranayakashyap and the father of Prahlaad, had a blessing of not being burnt by fire. Hiranayakashyap was a demon King and one that wanted his people to only worship him. Prahlaad was a Vishnu devotee, a thing that Hiranyakashyap did not like. This is why he asked Holika to sit on a pyre with Prahlaad on her lap. However, when the pyre was set on fire it was Holika that got reduced to ashes and not Prahlaad.
This is the reason why Hindus perform Holika Dahan one day before Holi in order to mark the triumph of good over evil. You can watch this video with your kids to help them understand the significance of Holika dahan.
Holika Dahan Mahurat and timings 2016
The holika dahan timings this year are from 6:30 pm to 8:53 pm, which is about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Dhulehndi or Rangwali Holi is to be celebrated on Thursday, March 24.
Bhadra Punchha : on 22nd, March 23:45 to 01:04
Bhadra Mukha: 01:04 to 03:15