Holika Dahan 2025 will take place on March 13th in the UK, with the Muhurat from 18:02 to 20:29. Holika Dahan, a significant ritual before Holi, marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed during Pradosh Kaal and Purnimasi Tithi, ensuring the correct Muhurat for this sacred event. This article provides the exact timings, Muhurat rules, and guidance for a prosperous Holika Dahan celebration in London and the UK.
Holika Dahan, also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, is one of the most cherished rituals of the Holi festival, symbolising the burning of evil and the arrival of spring. In 2025, Holika Dahan will take place on Thursday, 13th March, with the most auspicious Muhurat between 18:02 to 20:29 (local time in London).
As part of the Holi 2025 celebrations, Holika Dahan involves lighting a bonfire in honour of the mythological story of Holika, who was consumed by flames as a result of her wickedness, marking the victory of good over evil. It is a significant event observed across India and the world, including the Indian community in the UK, to celebrate this ancient ritual.
Holika Dahan 2025 will take place on March 13th in the UK, with the Muhurat from 18:02 to 20:29. Holika Dahan, a significant ritual before Holi, marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed during Pradosh Kaal and Purnimasi Tithi, ensuring the correct Muhurat for this sacred event. This article provides the exact timings, Muhurat rules, and guidance for a prosperous Holika Dahan celebration in London and the UK.
Holika Dahan is observed on the night before Holi, during the Purnima Tithi (full moon night), which is a time for burning away negativity and evil. According to Hindu scriptures, Holika Dahan should be done during Pradosh Kaal, the period starting after sunset, when the Purnimasi Tithi is prevailing. It is essential to choose the correct Muhurta (auspicious time) to perform this ritual, as doing so at the wrong time can bring misfortune, not only to individuals but to entire communities.
For 2025, the Holika Dahan Muhurat is from 18:02 to 20:29. This falls during the Pradosh Kaal, when the Purnimasi Tithi is in effect, and Bhadra (a period considered inauspicious for good activities) is over.
According to the traditional rules, Holika Dahan should be avoided during Bhadra Mukha, which is considered highly inauspicious. If Bhadra occurs during Pradosh, the ritual should only be performed after Bhadra ends, ensuring the time is suitable for this sacred celebration. Therefore, the ideal time for Holika Dahan 2025 in London will be within this two-hour and 27-minute window, when both the Pradosh Kaal and the end of Bhadra coincide.
In the UK, Holika Dahan may not be as widely observed as in India, but the Indian community still carries forward the tradition with great enthusiasm. People in cities like London, Birmingham, and Leicester, where there is a large Indian population, often gather for Holika Dahan ceremonies in their homes or community centres.
On the evening of March 13th, a bonfire is lit, and prayers are offered to ensure the burning away of all negative energies. Some families may also perform pujas or rituals before lighting the fire, seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu and other deities for a prosperous year ahead.
The following day, Rangwali Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with great joy and vibrance, marking the end of Holika Dahan and the onset of Holi.
Ahoi Ashtami, a revered festival for mothers, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. This festival holds special significance for women who fast for the health and wellbeing of their children. Traditionally observed for sons, the modern-day observance includes prayers for the wellbeing of both sons and daughters. The fast is broken during twilight after sighting the stars in the sky, which will occur at 18:24 in London on this day. For those who follow the custom of breaking the fast after moonrise, the moon will rise at 22:14 on Ahoi Ashtami.
Akshaya Navami 2024 in the UK falls on Sunday, November 10. Observed during the Kartik month, this auspicious day marks the beginning of Satya Yuga, known as Satya Yugadi. In London, the Purvahna time for Akshaya Navami is 07:11 to 11:44, with Navami Tithi starting at 17:15 on November 9 and ending at 15:31 on November 10.
In 2024, Pausha Amavasya will be observed on Monday, 30th December, marking the new moon day in the Pausha month of the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 22:31 on 29th December 2024 and ends at 22:26 on 30th December 2024. This day is significant in Hindu tradition, particularly for performing rituals related to Shraddha, worshipping ancestors, and offering prayers for their peace and blessings. Many devotees also observe Kalasarpa Dosha puja on this day to eliminate any doshas related to the placement of planets in their horoscope.
Banada Ashtami 2025 will be observed on 7th January (Tuesday) in London. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:53 PM on 6th January and ends at 10:56 AM on 7th January. This marks the start of Shakambhari Navratri, which concludes on 13th January.
Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, will be celebrated on Sunday, 2nd February 2025. This joyous festival marks the beginning of spring and is an important occasion for Hindus in the UK and worldwide. It is particularly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Basant Panchami holds special significance for the Indian diaspora in the UK, where temples and cultural organisations commemorate it with devotion and community activities.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on 3rd November 2024, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali festival. This special occasion honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters, emphasising love, protection, and familial ties. The auspicious Bhai Dooj Muhurat in UK is from 12:41 PM to 2:35 PM, a time considered ideal for performing the rituals. Many siblings take this opportunity to express their affection through thoughtful gestures, gifts, and sweets, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.
Bhai Dooj 2025 will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. This significant festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj date and time 2025 will fall within the Dwitiya Tithi, which begins at 15:46 on October 22, 2025, and ends at 18:16 on October 23, 2025 (London time). Sisters perform the Tika ceremony, praying for their brothers' long and happy lives, while brothers reciprocate by gifting presents to their sisters. This festival is widely celebrated across India and has various regional names, including Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, and Bhai Dwitiya.
Chaitra Navratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, will be celebrated in 2025 from March 30th to April 6th. This nine-day festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year and holds great importance in Hindu traditions. Known also as Vasanta Navratri due to its connection to the spring season, it is a time to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms, each representing different aspects of divine power.
Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev), will be celebrated in 2024 on Thursday, 7th November. This four-day festival is especially popular among people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and has found a home within the Hindu community in the UK. Celebrating Chhath Puja in the UK is a beautiful way for devotees to stay connected with their roots while honouring the Sun God for prosperity, well-being, and happiness.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is on March 17, 2025 (Monday), celebrated in London to honor the 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha warrior and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This day commemorates his remarkable legacy of bravery, leadership, and his role in establishing the Maratha Empire. The day marks the Tritiya Tithi of the Phalguna month according to the Hindu calendar, and celebrations include prayers, processions, and various cultural events to pay tribute to his valor and contributions.