Patna gears up for Holika Dahan with elaborate safety measures
Patna: As preparations for Holika Dahan gather momentum in Patna ahead of the Holi, people across the city arranged bonfires and readied themselves for the traditional evening rituals on March 3.
The auspicious occasion, which marks the victory of good over evil through the symbolic burning of Holika, usually sees devotees assembling after sunset to light the fires and offer prayers, ushering in a spirit of joy and renewal.
This year, however, Holika Dahan coincides with a total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in Patna. In keeping with traditional Hindu practices, the Sutak period — considered inauspicious before and during an eclipse — prompts many temples to suspend regular worship and darshan to avoid negative influences and undertake purification rituals afterwards.
At the Mahavir Mandir, special arrangements have been made to observe both the festival and associated rituals. On Tuesday, the temple will remain closed for approximately seven hours, from 2.30pm to 9pm, due to the Sutak period linked to the lunar eclipse. “During this closure, no darshan of any deity will be possible. Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple premises from 9.05pm once the eclipse ends and the necessary purification rituals are completed,” R Sheshadri, OSD to the temple secretary, said.
He told this newspaper that on March 3, the temple doors will remain open until 11.30pm. “The evening ‘aarti’ will take place at 8pm on March 4, allowing more devotees to participate during the colourful celebrations of Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi). Normal temple timings and routines will resume from Wednesday onwards (5am to 10.30pm),” Sheshadri added.
Authorities have identified over 400 locations for community bonfires, with fire tenders strategically stationed within a 500-metre radius of each site. Special attention is being given to high-risk areas such as those near high-rise buildings, petrol pumps, and densely populated zones to ensure a swift response and prevent any mishap amid the festive fervour.
The energy department has issued important directives to ensure a safe and uninterrupted Holi celebration across the state, especially during Holika Dahan. In an advisory, the department appealed to electricity consumers and the general public not to perform Holika Dahan beneath or near electric poles, transformers, or overhead power lines. Flames from bonfires can cause wires and cables to burn, snap, or short-circuit, potentially leading to serious accidents that could mar the festive spirit, it said.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board has also banned the burning of plastic, tyres, and thermocol in its advisory. According to member secretary Neeraj Narayan, burning plastic releases poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and furan, which pollute the air and pose serious health hazards.
The auspicious occasion, which marks the victory of good over evil through the symbolic burning of Holika, usually sees devotees assembling after sunset to light the fires and offer prayers, ushering in a spirit of joy and renewal.
This year, however, Holika Dahan coincides with a total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in Patna. In keeping with traditional Hindu practices, the Sutak period — considered inauspicious before and during an eclipse — prompts many temples to suspend regular worship and darshan to avoid negative influences and undertake purification rituals afterwards.
At the Mahavir Mandir, special arrangements have been made to observe both the festival and associated rituals. On Tuesday, the temple will remain closed for approximately seven hours, from 2.30pm to 9pm, due to the Sutak period linked to the lunar eclipse. “During this closure, no darshan of any deity will be possible. Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple premises from 9.05pm once the eclipse ends and the necessary purification rituals are completed,” R Sheshadri, OSD to the temple secretary, said.
He told this newspaper that on March 3, the temple doors will remain open until 11.30pm. “The evening ‘aarti’ will take place at 8pm on March 4, allowing more devotees to participate during the colourful celebrations of Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi). Normal temple timings and routines will resume from Wednesday onwards (5am to 10.30pm),” Sheshadri added.
Authorities have identified over 400 locations for community bonfires, with fire tenders strategically stationed within a 500-metre radius of each site. Special attention is being given to high-risk areas such as those near high-rise buildings, petrol pumps, and densely populated zones to ensure a swift response and prevent any mishap amid the festive fervour.
The energy department has issued important directives to ensure a safe and uninterrupted Holi celebration across the state, especially during Holika Dahan. In an advisory, the department appealed to electricity consumers and the general public not to perform Holika Dahan beneath or near electric poles, transformers, or overhead power lines. Flames from bonfires can cause wires and cables to burn, snap, or short-circuit, potentially leading to serious accidents that could mar the festive spirit, it said.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board has also banned the burning of plastic, tyres, and thermocol in its advisory. According to member secretary Neeraj Narayan, burning plastic releases poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and furan, which pollute the air and pose serious health hazards.
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