Phalguna Purnima
Also called: Holika Dahan, Chhoti Holi, Lakshmi Jayanti, Gaura Purnima
The concluding full moon of the Hindu lunar year in Purnimanta systems. On this evening, Holika Dahan bonfires are lit to symbolize the destruction of malice and the preservation of faith. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, it is celebrated as Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It is also celebrated as Lakshmi Jayanti.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Phalguna
- Deities
- Lord Narasimha, Bhakta Prahlada, Goddess Lakshmi, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
The story
The story of Prahlada is told in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana: his father, the tyrant king Hiranyakashipu, tried again and again to kill him, and each time Vishnu protected him. The Holika episode comes from popular tradition: Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika, believed to be immune to fire, sat in the flames with Prahlada on her lap, but she was burned while Prahlada came out unhurt.
Practices
- Gathering wood, cow dung cakes, and dried branches to construct the community Holika bonfire
- Circling the fire (Parikrama) and roasting fresh green ears of wheat and gram in the embers
- Chanting protective hymns and praying for the burning away of negativity and resentment
Regional variations
- Celebrated with bonfires across North India; celebrated with colorful Kaman Pandigai in Tamil Nadu; Gaura Purnima celebrations in West Bengal and ISKCON temples
Common questions
- Is Phalguna Purnima the day colors are played?
- No. Phalguna Purnima is the evening of the Holika Dahan bonfire. The vibrant festival of colors (Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi) is celebrated on the following day (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada).