Festival guide

Holika Dahan

होली

Bonfire observance on the eve of Holi, celebrating Prahlad and the victory of devotion.

At a glance

How is Holika Dahan dated?

Holika Dahan is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Chhoti Holi, Holi Dahan, Holi bonfire.

Yearly reference

Holika Dahan dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Why this date?

Falls on Phalguna Shukla Purnima. The bonfire muhurta can include Bhadra and pradosha exceptions, so Samvat lists the India-baseline Purnima observance date and treats Rangwali Holi as the following Chaitra Krishna Pratipada.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Holika Dahan tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Lunar tithi

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Magha

Dietary practice

No specific restriction

Significance

Commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika. Celebrates divine love of Radha-Krishna.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

Holika Dahan bonfireOffering grainsCommunity gathering

Observed in

Pan-IndiaNepal

Common questions

How is Holika Dahan dated?

Holika Dahan is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Holika Dahan?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Holika Dahan. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.