Jharkhand News : According to the Hindu calendar, Holika Dahan will be performed on March 2, while the festival of Holi will be celebrated on March 4 this year. The information was shared by local priests based on detailed Panchang calculations.
Senior priest Manoj Pandey explained that Holika Dahan is performed during the Pradosh Kaal on the day of Phalgun Purnima. This year, Purnima will begin on March 2 at 5:18 PM and will continue until 4:33 PM on March 3.
During this period, Bhadra will remain in effect from 5:18 PM on March 2 to 4:56 AM on March 3. As per religious scriptures, Holika Dahan is prohibited during Bhadra Mukha (face) but allowed during Bhadra Poonchh (tail). Therefore, Holika Dahan will be performed late at night on March 2 at 12:50 AM, during Bhadra’s tail phase.
Holi on March 4 Across the Country
March 3 will be observed as Snan-Daan Purnima, and in places like Kashi, Holi will also be celebrated on that day. However, since Chaitra Krishna Pratipada falls on March 4, Holi with colors will be celebrated across most parts of the country on that date. The day will witness the combination of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and Dhriti Yoga, which is considered auspicious and symbolic of patience, determination and stability.
Bengali Community to Play Abir on March 3
Pandit Chanchal Mukherjee of the Bengali community said that Purnima will begin at 5:44 PM on March 2 and end at 4:59 PM on March 3. Hence, the Bengali community will celebrate Dola Purnima (Abir Khela) on March 3. Traditionally, Abir is played on the full moon day following Holika Dahan.
Mithila Panchang Details
According to the Mithila Panchang, priest Rajendra Pandey stated that Holika Dahan will be performed at 5:31 AM on March 2 in the Mithila tradition. On this day, Patridhaan rituals are performed and Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. Holi will be celebrated on March 4 as per Mithila customs.
Rituals of Holika Dahan
Before Holika Dahan, devotees perform a ritualistic worship of Holika. The bonfire is first marked with vermilion, turmeric and gulal, followed by offerings of water, raw cotton thread, batasha, rice, flowers and coconut. Devotees then perform seven circumambulations around the Holika before lighting the fire.
Important Festivals in Phalgun Month
The month of Phalgun is considered highly auspicious. Key dates include:
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February 13 – Vijaya Ekadashi
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February 15 – Maha Shivratri
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February 27 – Amalaki Ekadashi & Rangbhari Ekadashi
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February 28 – Govind Dwadashi
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March 2 – Holika Dahan
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March 4 – Holi Festival
