Kathmandu March 1 : Fagu Poornima or the festival of colours, is being celebrated with much fanfare in hilly areas, including the capital city, today, while tomorrow in the Terai region. The Fagu Poornima celebration begins with a Holika dahan or making a bonfire commemorating the death of Holika on the eve of Holi, the symbol of triumph of good over evil. The next day, people enjoy smearing one another with different colours including abir or red vermilion powder. Among various cultural festivals celebrated in Nepal, the Fagu Poornima carries its own specialty and significance. People from old to young age enjoy the festival with enthusiasm.
One of the widely observed festivals of the country, Fagu Poornima begins on the eighth day of the new moon and ends with burning of the ‘Chir’, which was installed earlier, on the full moon day later today.
According to a Hindu myth, demon king Hiranyakashyapu who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Bishnu ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad. Following her brother’s instruction Holika who had a boon from the god that fire would not harm her sat on a fire by taking Prahlad on her lap, but was burnt to death while Prahalad remained unhurt due to the blessing of God Bishnu.
From then onwards, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by smearing colour with enjoyment. There is also a saying that Lord Bishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused. Senior people believe that any premonitions can be avoided if “Tika” made from the ashes of the ‘Chir’ is put on one’s forehead or kept in the house.
IN INDIA : HOLI IS ALSO KNOWN AS MADAN UTSAV: Holi which is also known as Madan Utsav is almost 150 years old. What is Madan Utsav or Holi in northern India, Dhulendi in Western India, Vasanthosavam in Peninsular India, is Dol Jatra in Bengal. Whatever the name be, this festival is a magnificent kaleidoscope of colours, music and dance which binds hearts together and spreads the message of harmony.
THE LEGEND BEHIND MADAN UTSAV:The death of Sati was a huge blow to Lord Shiva and as a result he lost interest in everything around him. He found solace in meditation and hence took to deep meditation. However, this was considered disastrous by the gods as it meant the tyranny of demon Tarkasur.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLIKA DAHAN (HOLI PUJA): On the eve of Holi, a huge pile of dry leaves, wood logs and cow dung cakes are gathered. Holika pujan is done in which the following mantra is recited:
“Asrikpabhaysantrastaye krita twang holi balishaye
Atastwang Pujayishayami Bhute Bhutiprada Bhava”
After the completion of puja, the heap of gathered things is set alight. This is known as Holika Dahan.
People who are suffering with ill health or overstressed with a problem should go round the Holika fire 7 times and throw Gomti Chakra each time. They should collect ashes and put on their forehead. This is the easiest way to get rid of negativity. Truly this is the Golden chance to burn your misfortune in the Holika fire.
HOLIKA DAHAN MUHURTAS (IST) FOR THE IMPORTANT CITIES: Poornima Tithi will remain in all over India on 1st March 2018 begining from 8:58 hours in the morning and ending at early morning at 6:21 hours. Based on this Holika Dahan should be done on 1st March after the Pradosh Kaal ends. Accordingly Holika Dahan should be done after the end of Pradosh Kaal. Muhurtha for Holika Dahan is 19:38 hours onwards.
DESTRUCTION OF EVILS: Holika Dahan (Holi Puja) is representative of the destruction of evils not only of the external environment but also of the internal evils that we possess. Along with all the objects, our miseries and misfortunes too burn to ashes in the Holika fire. In fact, Holi provides us with a wonderful opportunity to drive away all our adversities and misfortunes and embrace a happy, prosperous and successful life.
KEY TO SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS BY HOLI PUJA: A special Holi puja offered on this occasion is the key to solve all the problems of life and welcome a spirited, positive and joyous life. As the Holi pyre is burnt to ashes, it is believed that a purified, harmonius and peaceful state of being is established. The fiery form and direction of Holika agni is indicative of the future of a person or community. The Holika ashes have a religious significance and kept at home for different purposes.
HOLASTHAK: The period of eight days from Phalgun Shukla Asthami to Purnima, Holasthak is observed. In many states of India, with the beginning of Holasthak, a branch of tree is cut and various coloured clothes are tied on that branch. This branch is dug on the ground and people celebrate Holi under this branch. Holasthak is however not favourable for any sacraments or to begin a new activity. This year Holasthak begins on 23rd February 2018. It ends with Holika dahan.
Add Comment