Holika Dahan also known as Holika Deepak is observed by setting ablaze Holika. This fire is the significance of triumph over evil, the victory of contentment over sorrow and it also signifies the end of autumn season. This Holika Dahan is usually performed a night before the full moon day of the Phalgun masa. The bonfire of Holika is set ablaze after sunset and people rejoice by dancing and singing all around the fire.

The famous legend that tells us about the festival of Holika Dahan is the story of Hiranyakashipu a demon king who was blessed by Lord Brahma. Hiranyakashipu had a son named Prahalad who was a great disciple of Lord Vishnu. However, Hiranyakashipu asserted that only he must be worshipped and anyone who didn’t follow his orders were killed ruthlessly.

Prahalad was a worshipper of lord Vishnu, he kept worshipping his favourite God which was in tolerated by his father. Thus, Hiranyakashipu decides to kill his son Prahalad. He calls his sister Holika who had a garment that would not burn her when ablaze. Holika tricks and makes Prahalad sit on her lap and as the fire was set, the magical cloth covered Prahalad and burnt Holika. That is how Prahalad came out unhurt and Holika was burnt. This legend emphasises the victory of good over bad and that’s how the festival came into existence.