Holika Dahan is also popular by the name Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi. According to Hindu religious texts, Holika Dahan should be done during Pradosh Kaal that begins after sunset, when Purnimasi Tithi is dominant. Bhadra is prevalent in the first half of Purnimasi Tithi and this period is not recommended for doing good works.
Following rules are to be observed while deciding Holika Dahan Muhurta:
First choice should always be to decide Holika Dahan Muhurta during Pradosh when Purnimasi Tithi is prevalent and Bhadra is finished. If Bhadra is prevalent during Pradosh, but it concludes before midnight, then Holika Dahan should be observed after Bhadra is finished. If Bhadra ends after midnight, then Holika Dahan can be done in Bhadra, and if possible, during Bhadra Punchha. But, it is most important that, in no circumstances, the Holika Dahan should be performed in Bhadra Mukha, because it will result in misfortune throughout the year not only for the individual but also to the city and the entire country. Most of the times, Bhadra Punchha may not be available between Pradosh and midnight. In such situation, Holika Dahan should be done during Pradosh. There may also be rare occasions when neither Pradosh nor Bhadra Punchha is available. In such cases, Holika Dahan should be done after Pradosh.
As far as Holika Dahan is concerned, it is more important to ensure that it is performed at the right Muhurta, which may not be of such significance in case of any other festivals. This is because, doing puja at the wrong time will not bring puja benefits in case of other festivals, whereas performing Holika Dahan at wrong Muhurtha would result in suffering and bad luck.
Templesinindiainfo.com is cautious of all scenarios and exceptions referred above. We suggest you the best Muhurta for doing Holika Dahan. We never suggest Bhadra Mukha. Also we list the duration of Bhadra Mukha and Bhadra Punchha applicable for all cities so that there will not be any confusion in deciding the best Muhurta for Holika Dahan. If Bhadra Punchha is before Pradosh or after midnight we cannot take it for Holika Dahan because Holika Dahan should be performed between Pradosh and midnight. Here, by midnight we mean Hindu midnight, which is not the same as 24 hours.
People play with colors on the Holi/Dhulandi day, which is always the next day of Holika Dahan or Holi bonfire. We, the whole team of Templesinindiainfo.com, wish you happy and colorful Holi.