How to perform Holika Puja correctly: A step-by-step checklist for modern households

Learn how to perform Holika Dahan mindfully, the ingredients to use, and the spiritual significance behind the ritual. (Image: Pinterest)

• Holika Puja symbolizes spiritual purification and new beginnings
• Use natural ingredients, avoid plastics and synthetic materials
• Intent and mindfulness are key to the ritual's significance.

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Holika Puja is significant in Hindu culture for more reasons than one. It is not just a traditional fire-burning ritual, but is also viewed as a moment when people can attain spiritual purification through a process of self-reflection and internal renewal. The ceremonial process begins with a fire to burn away all negative elements before colours spread through the atmosphere and people prepare for new beginnings.

Sridhar Joshi, Co-Founder of OM Bhakti, told Moneycontrol how the puja should ideally be performed with the right set of ingredients and also explained the significance of what one should do and avoid. Most importantly, what matters is the intent and purpose.

Preparing for the puja with intent

Holika Puja begins with Sankalp, a conscious resolve taken before the ritual starts. “Choose a clean and open area designated for Holika Dahan and approach the ritual with calm focus. Preparation is as important as participation,” Joshi said.

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Talking about the ingredients to use and what to avoid, he added, “A basic puja thali contains wheat or barley grains together with akshat, coconut, flowers, haldi, kumkum, ghee, jaggery, betel leaves, incense, camphor and water which is stored inside a kalash. The fire needs dry wood and cow dung cakes to create its flames. The use of synthetic materials, plastics and painted wood surfaces must be avoided because these materials contradict the fundamental principles of purification. The Holika Puja ceremony takes place during early evening hours before sunset when the transition from day to night matches the ceremonial purpose.”

Lighting the sacred fire

Devotees perform parikrama around the pyre before lighting the fire to present water and grains and flowers as their offerings. “The circular movement represents the process of surrendering to cosmic order while maintaining continuity. The fire is ignited through the use of ghee and camphor which is followed by the placement of offerings into the flames,” he noted.

According to him, grains symbolise sustenance and livelihood while the coconut represents ego. The act of placing them into the fire signifies the release of pride and negativity. The atmosphere requires both silence and deep respect. The sacred fire exists to bring about personal transformation not for public exhibition.

Common mistakes to avoid

The essence of Holika Puja can be diluted when the ritual becomes rushed or treated casually. “The ceremony loses its significance through three actions, including burning waste materials, skipping Sankalp and conducting the ceremony as a social event,” he added. Children should be included with explanation, not just observation, so the ritual becomes a lesson rather than a habit

Adapting the ritual for modern living

Joshi said, “People who reside in apartments or cities that have space constraints, a diya functions as an Agni representation through which people make offerings and recite a brief prayer. What matters is reflection on emotions or habits that need to be released.”

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Working professionals can prepare a day in advance and participate briefly but mindfully. Even a few moments of focused devotion hold value when intention is clear.

Carrying the ritual forward

Holika Puja brings families together, encourages mindful celebration, and promotes respect for tradition alongside responsibility. When performed with awareness, it prepares both the environment and the spirit for Holi. Only when the fire is approached with purpose does the colour of celebration truly gain meaning.