Holika Dahan - Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School

Celebrating Holika Dahan at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Navi Mumbai
The festive atmosphere at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Navi Mumbai, on the occasion of Holika Dahan was nothing short of magical. The event brought together the community of devotee students in celebration, spiritual devotion, and joyous unity, making it a memorable night for all who attended.
The Pooja Ceremony: A Sacred Beginning
As the sun began to set and the stars slowly began to twinkle in the sky, devotee students gathered around the grand wood pile that had been meticulously arranged for the Holika Dahan. The event started with a sacred pooja, led by the revered Swamijis. The pooja of the wood was performed with great devotion, and each prayer was imbued with deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the purification of souls. As incense wafted in the air and the chanting of mantras filled the atmosphere, the entire gathering of devotee students felt the spiritual vibrations of the ceremony, setting the tone for the festivities that were about to unfold.
The Lighting of Holika: A Symbol of Triumph
Once the pooja was completed, it was time for the central moment of the evening – the lighting of the Holika. With reverence, the Swamiji lit the ceremonial fire, and soon, the grand pyre was engulfed in flames. The crackling sound of the fire and the sight of the flames rising toward the sky symbolized the destruction of all negative energies and the triumph of righteousness. Every devotee student stood in silence for a moment, reflecting on the significance of this sacred fire, which represents the burning away of vices, impurities, and obstacles in their lives.
Pradakshina: A Sacred Circumambulation
After the Holika was set ablaze, the next step of the celebration involved the devotee students performing Pradakshina around the fire. As the fire blazed brightly, devotee students walked around it, offering their respect and seeking blessings for prosperity, peace, and happiness in their lives. This act of Pradakshina is a powerful gesture of surrender to the divine, symbolizing the desire to cleanse oneself of all negativity and be bathed in the divine light. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as every devotee student took their turn, offering their prayers with sincerity and devotion.
Raas: Dancing in Joy and Devotion
The final part of the celebration brought an explosion of joy and energy. As the evening descended into a festive mood, devotee students gathered in a circle to play Raas, a traditional dance form that is a hallmark of the Holi celebrations. The rhythmic beats of the dhol and the vibrant music filled the air as everyone danced in unison, celebrating the arrival of Holi, the festival of colors. The Raas was filled with laughter, devotion, and unity, as every devotee student, regardless of age, joined together to dance in joy and celebration.
The joy of dancing was not just about the rhythm of the music but also the deep sense of community and devotion that the Raas symbolized. It was a beautiful way to honor the divine, spread happiness, and reinforce the values of togetherness and spirituality.
A Night to Remember
The Holika Dahan at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Navi Mumbai, was more than just a celebration; it was a profound spiritual experience. From the sacred pooja to the lighting of the fire, from the Pradakshina to the joyous Raas, every moment was infused with deep meaning and devotion. It was a night that brought the community of devotee students closer, celebrated the triumph of good over evil, and filled everyone’s hearts with love, light, and positivity.
As the night drew to a close, the flames of Holika Dahan continued to flicker, and the memories of the evening stayed alive in the hearts of all the devotee students, awaiting the next celebration of this joyous and spiritually uplifting festival.
Jay Swaminarayan