Home › Festivals › Holika Dahan
Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area
Holika Dahan
Dates for the Bay Area
- Monday, 2 March 2026Major festival
- Sunday, 21 March 2027Major festivalnext
Why it matters
The bonfire on the eve of Holi symbolizes the destruction of arrogance and harmful intent and the protection of sincere devotion.
The story behind it
The best-known story is that Prahlada’s devotion to Vishnu survives the attempt by Holika to destroy him.
Prayers and worship
Devotees circumambulate the ceremonial fire, offer prayers for purification and protection, and remember Prahlada’s steadfast devotion.
Fasting and devotional customs
Fasting and household customs vary; follow the temple or family tradition for this observance.
What is typically offered
Grains, coconuts or seasonal offerings may be placed near the fire according to local tradition.
Visiting a temple that day
Observe fire barriers and local safety rules. This is primarily an evening community ritual rather than a color-play event.
Spiritual themes
Faith, protection, purification and the victory of devotion.
Request this pooja
Sri Kumar Gurukkal performs Holika Dahan observances at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely.
Request a pooja Add 21 Mar 2027 to calendarKeep this in your calendar
Subscribe once and every Bay Area festival date appears in your own calendar app.
Subscribe to the festival calendar Share on WhatsAppBonfire night. This date was validated against a location-specific Northern-California Panchāṅgam source. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →