Phalguna Purnima (Holika Dahan)
फाल्गुन पूर्णिमा (होलिका दहन)
Phalguna Purnima is celebrated across India with the triumph of righteous faith over ego in Holika Dahan and marks the auspicious appearance day of Goddess Mahalakshmi (Lakshmi Jayanti).
March 3, 2026
Tuesday
09:30 AM to 01:15 PM
Auspicious forenoon window
06:38 PM
Chandra Arghya window
March 02, 2026 at 05:40 PM
until March 03, 2026 at 04:48 PM
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्री सिद्ध लक्ष्म्यै नमः॥ ॐ नृसिंहाय नमः॥
Oṁ śrīṁ hrīṁ klīṁ śrī siddha lakṣmyai namaḥ || Oṁ nṛsiṁhāya namaḥ ||
Salutations to Siddha Lakshmi, the granter of all auspiciousness and spiritual powers. Salutations to Lord Narasimha, the protector of pure devotees.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
This full moon commemorates Bhakta Prahlada's unwavering devotion to Lord Narasimha, during which the demoness Holika was consumed by the fire she thought she was immune to. Chanting Satyanarayan Katha and Lakshmi Stotras brings abundance and victory over fear.
Pauranic Vrat Katha & History
The Srimad Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana narrate how the arrogant demon king Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika, who possessed a boon making her invulnerable to fire, to enter a raging pyre with child Prahlada on her lap. Prahlada meditated ceaselessly on Lord Narayana; by divine will, the fire spared Prahlada while Holika was incinerated.
Step-by-Step Purnima Vrat & Puja Vidhi
- 1Observe fasting from grain and salt until the evening Holika Dahan bonfire ritual.
- 2Perform morning Satyanarayan Puja with lotus flowers, kheer, and fragrant Chandan.
- 3Gather during Pradosh/nightfall around the sacred Holika pyre, offering roasted barley, cow dung cakes, coconut, and turmeric.
- 4Circumambulate the sacred fire 3, 5, or 7 times while chanting Vedic mantras for health and prosperity.
- 5Offer evening Arghya to the Full Moon with raw milk and water.
Frequently Asked Questions: Phalguna Purnima (Holika Dahan)
Why is Lakshmi Jayanti celebrated on Phalguna Purnima?
According to Pauranic tradition, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on Phalguna Purnima, making it one of the most powerful days for Sri Suktam chanting.
When is Holika Dahan performed on Phalguna Purnima?
Holika Dahan is performed in the evening during the auspicious Pradosha Kaal after checking that Bhadra tithi has concluded.