Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Holika Dahan

Vishnu Pan-India Major festival Prahlada / Vishnu

Dates for the Bay Area

  • Monday, 2 March 2026Major festival
  • Sunday, 21 March 2027Major festivalnext
  • Friday, 10 March 2028Major festival
Traditions differ. What follows describes common practice, not the only correct practice. Observance varies by region, sampradāya and family, and Sri Kumar Gurukkal will follow your family’s tradition. Our editorial & ritual standards →

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

Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for Holika Dahan — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.

Request a pooja Add 21 Mar 2027 to calendar

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Related festivals

KanumaMattu PongalHoliUgadiRama NavamiAll Pūrṇimā dates
← HoliJagannath Ratha Yatra → Full festival calendar

Bonfire night. The 2026–27 dates were compiled from a Northern-California Panchāṅgam reference for the Fremont / Bay Area location. The 2028 date is computed by this site’s own engine from the festival’s standard definition, tested against the 2026–27 dates: Phālguna śukla pūrṇimā, judged at the tithi at sunrise (udaya-vyāpinī). No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. 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 →