Holika Dahan celebrations in Mathura

People roast green cereals in Holi bonfire and exchange sweets

The ancient city of Mathura where Lord Krishna was born celebrated the festival of Holika Dahan with great fervour. To mark the occasion, huge bonfires along with statues of demoness Holika carrying Prahlada in her lap were placed at all the main squares and marketplaces of Mathura. But, the grandest of the celebrations were conducted at Holi Gate, where a large number of women performed Holika Puja till 4 pm. Holika Dahan was conducted late at 9 pm.  

Holika Puja at Holi Gali

The main event of Holika Dahan was conducted by Holikotsava Samiti at Holi Gate. A large number of women from nearby regions conducted Holika Puja at Holi Gate. Along with traditional items of Puja like whole turmeric, whole rice, Kumkum and Gulal a string of small cow dung cakes was also offered to Holi bonfire. Following the Puja, Parikrama of Holi bonfire was done by women with a cotton thread. The Puja rituals were concluded with Aarti. Thousands of women conducted Holika and Prahlada worship from 10 am to 4 pm. At 7 pm, Karshni Guru Sharanananda worshipped Holika and performed Aarti. Local artists performed various cultural events. A large crowd gathered to witness the celebrations often obstructing the traffic in the region. Other major locations of Mathura including Holi Gali, Rangeshwar temple region and Dampier Nagar square also held Holika Dahan events.  

A group of women worshipping Holika and Prahlada

People buying green cereals for roasting in Holi bonfire

At Holi Gate and Holi Gali, Holika Dahan was performed at 9 pm and 11 pm respectively. A large number of locals along with visitors gathered around the Holi bonfire for the event of Holika Dahan. People took a piece of burning cow dung cake to light the Holi bonfire at home as it is considered auspicious.

                     A local resident sharing her thoughts on Holika Dahan

As the festival of Holi also coincides with the harvesting season in many parts of the country, people also roasted green cereals like wheat and chickpea in the Holi bonfire. Later these roasted cereals were shared with loved ones and neighbours and Holi wishes were exchanged along with traditional sweets like Gujiya and Gulab Jamun. The next day of Holika Dahan is Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi. People across the Brij region will play Holi on March 10.

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Holika Dahan today, statues of Bhakta Prahlada and Holika placed in decorated pavilions

The first day of the festival of Holi, Holika Dahan will be celebrated today, which is Purnima of Phalguna Shukla Paksha. Holika Pujan and Holika Dahan will be conducted when the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra prevails in Leo. To mark the occasion, huge statues of Holika and Prahlada have been placed at every major marketplace and square in Mathura. Holika Dahan will be done in the evening at the right Muhurat.   

Preparations for Holika Dahan had started from Vasant Panchami with the placing of Holika or a wooden stick at major squares and crossroads in the city. Subsequently, more and more sticks along with cow dung cakes were placed around the Holika to be burnt on Holika Dahan day. As a part of the occasion, big statues of demoness Holika and Prahlada is placed on the Holi bonfire as a symbolic representation of the age-old event. In Mathura, Holika Dahan will be conducted at Chowk Bajar, Bharatpur Gate, Holi Gate, Krishna Nagar, Arya Samaj Road, Vikas Bajar and Masani Chauraha.

Statue of Holika and Prahlada placed in a Pavillion at Holi Gate, Mathura

Artisans start making Holika statues 4 months prior

Local clay artisans called Kumhar started making Holika and Prahlada statues around 4 months before the Holika Dahan festival. As per the local artisans, the process of statue-making involves many steps, first being the preparation of structure with clay and cardboards. The structure is then dried in sunlight followed by painting and highlighting. The last part includes the decoration in which statues are decked in beautiful clothes and ornaments.

Statues of Holika and Prahlada made by local artisans 

Guru Sharanananda Maharaj will inaugurate the main celebrations at Holi Gate

General Secretary of Holikotsav Samiti of Mathura, Madan Mohan Shrivastav told Drik Panchang correspondent that the main event of Holika Dahan will be held at Holi Gate square at around 7 in the evening. Guru Sharanananda Maharaj will preside over the celebrations while various political leaders and people’s representatives will also mark their presence. Local artists will perform in the cultural event for which a huge pavilion has been erected at the square.

Holika Dahan Muhurat

Holika Dahan Muhurta - 06:26 PM to 08:52 PM

Duration - 02 Hours 26 Mins

Bhadra Punchha - 09:37 AM to 10:38 AM

Bhadra Mukha - 10:38 AM to 12:19 PM

Holika Dahan during Pradosh with Udaya Vyapini Purnima

Purnima Tithi Begins - 03:03 AM on Mar 09, 2020

Purnima Tithi Ends - 11:17 PM on Mar 09, 2020

Items needed for Holika Puja

One must sit facing either East or North direction while doing Holika Puja. For Puja, place a water pitcher, flower garland, Kumkum, Akshat, scent, flowers, thread, jaggery, whole turmeric, Moong beans, Batashe, Gulal and coconut in a Thali. Furthermore, also take green cereals to roast in Holika bonfire.

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