On the auspicious occasion of Phalguna Purnima, Holika Dahan will be observed across India on Monday night. As per long-standing tradition, the country’s first Holika Dahan ceremony will take place at the world-famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Jyotirlinga Lord Mahakal.
Holika Dahan Tradition Begins at Mahakal Temple
It is a centuries-old tradition that major Hindu festivals are first celebrated at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Continuing this custom, priests will offer gulal (colored powder) to Lord Mahakal during the evening aarti.
At around 7:30 PM, Holika made of cow dung cakes will be ceremonially set ablaze in the temple premises amid Vedic chants.
Temple priest Ashish Sharma stated that the ritual of symbolically offering gulal to Lord Mahakal has been followed since ancient times. This year, only one kilogram of herbal gulal will be offered as part of the symbolic ritual.
Tight Security and Restricted Entry
For safety reasons, devotees will not be allowed near the Holika Dahan site. The decision has been taken considering past fire-related incidents. Senior administrative officials will remain present during the ceremony.
The temple administration has also clarified that devotees will not be permitted to carry colors or gulal inside the temple premises. Priests, staff, and security personnel will also refrain from carrying colors. CCTV surveillance and strict checking at entry points will be enforced to maintain decorum and safety.
Devotees have been urged to celebrate Holi with peace, devotion, and harmony in accordance with the temple’s sanctity.
Dhulendi and Bhasma Aarti Celebrations
The festival of Dhulendi will be observed at the temple on Tuesday. During the early morning Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM, Lord Mahakal will first be offered gulal, followed by special adornment with bhang and sandalwood.
During the eclipse’s Sutak period, the temple doors will remain open, but regular offerings will not be made. Only sugar will be offered as bhog. After the eclipse concludes, purification rituals and regular aarti will resume.
Change in Aarti Timings from March 3
The Mahakal Temple follows two seasonal schedules annually. From Chaitra Krishna Pratipada (March 3) — the day after Holika Dahan — summer timings will come into effect.
From this date, Lord Mahakal will be bathed with cold water, a practice that continues until Sharad Purnima. Out of the five daily aartis, timings of three will change.
Revised Aarti Schedule:
- Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Dadyodak Aarti: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Evening Pujan: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Significance of Holika Dahan at Ujjain
Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of Holi festivities. Celebrating the ritual first at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple reinforces the spiritual and cultural importance of the ancient city.
As preparations conclude, thousands of devotees across India look toward Ujjain, where the sacred flames of Holika Dahan will ceremonially herald the festival of colors.
