Holika Dahan is celebrated the night before Holi, on the full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna, which usually ends up in February or March. Holika Dahan represents the triumph of good over evil. You can read the story of Holika Dahan here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/108673060.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
I was invited to the Holika Dahan celebration right behind Yogini's house. There are five apartment buildings that come together to celebrate. I could hear the party from my room before I left the house - the drummers were rocking!
I was handed a coconut to offer to the fire. I was standing there with it when a couple of women grabbed me. They brought me over the bonfire (pre-lighting) and showed me the ritual of offering the coconut.
My coconut is right there. You can see the flower garlands that have been offered to the fire. There are many coconuts where mine is sitting. I said a prayer as I offered that coconut. The fire was lit amongst much celebrating!
The drums continued drumming, people passed out prasad (chocolate taffys, cups of cola, and pieces of coconut from the fire. There was dancing, but I don't have any photos of that. I was participating! It was a memorable evening, and I'm grateful for the experience. I managed to capture a few videos that I looped together here. It will give you a taste of the sights and sounds of the celebration.
Wow, that's a great fire!
I like the teens who are playing drums. I would imagine in India teens feel more part of the the family celebration than here in the US where teens tend to separate from their families a lot by that age.
Thank you for making a video. And the pics.