Falgun Purnima 2024: Date, Significance, Puja Rituals, Katha and Importance of Donation

Falgun Purnima 2024: Date and Time

In Hinduism, every full moon day holds significant reverence. It is believed that worshipping the moon on this day brings peace, happiness, and removes obstacles from life. Currently, the month of Falgun is underway, and Falgun Purnima, also known as Holika Purnima, is approaching. This auspicious day falls either in February or March, according to the Hindu calendar. This year’s Falgun Purnima will be celebrated on Sunday, March 24, 2024. The auspicious timing for the beginning of festivities is at 9:54 AM, concluding the next day, Monday, March 25, 2024, at 12:29 PM.

Significance of Falgun Purnima

Falgun Purnima, according to Hindu scriptures, holds profound significance as a day of spiritual rejuvenation and auspiciousness. The observance of rituals such as bathing, charity, prayers, and worship during this time is believed to usher in divine blessings and remove obstacles from one’s path. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is said to fulfill all desires, while honoring Goddess Lakshmi is believed to bring about prosperity and happiness, particularly in overcoming financial difficulties. Additionally, engaging in acts of worship and fasting is customary, serving as a means to alleviate worldly troubles and accrue spiritual merit.

Puja Rituals and Observances

Devotees observe various rituals and customs on Falgun Purnima, including bathing in sacred rivers, making donations, performing havans, fasting, and the ceremonial burning of Holika. The day begins with devotees rising before sunrise for a holy bath, offering prayers to the rising sun, and seeking blessings. Following this, they wear clean clothes and prepare for the worship of Lord Vishnu.

To perform the puja, a sanctified space is prepared with an idol or image of Lord Vishnu placed on a platform adorned with yellow cloth. The deity is worshipped with offerings of colors, flowers, incense, rice, and sweets. Finally, devotees offer yellow sweets, usually laddoos, to Lord Vishnu and conclude the puja with an arati, seeking blessings for a prosperous life.                 

Things to Remember on Falgun Purnima

• It is advised to consume sattvic (pure) food on this day and refrain from falsehoods.
• Avoid engaging in conflicts or arguments and instead foster unity and harmony, especially during the occasion of Holika Dahan.        

The Legend (katha) of Falgun Purnima

Holika Dahan katha : Falgun Purnima holds significance due to the ritual of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The tale of Holika Dahan is recounted in the Narad Purana. It revolves around Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who considered himself superior to the gods and demanded worship from all.             

Despite his efforts to dissuade his son Prahlad from worshipping Lord Vishnu, Prahlad remained devoted to the deity. Frustrated, Hiranyakashipu sought the help of his sister, Holika, who had a boon granting her immunity to fire. On Falgun Purnima, Holika sat with Prahlad in her lap amidst a bonfire, intending to burn him alive. However, due to Lord Vishnu’s protection, Prahlad emerged unscathed, while Holika perished in the flames.

This tale signifies the power of devotion and the protection granted by the divine, inspiring devotees to uphold righteousness and faith in the face of adversity.                  

Importance of Donation on Falgun Purnima

Falgun Purnima holds a special place in Hindu tradition for acts of charity, symbolizing compassion and abundance. Donating clothes and food to the underprivileged invokes blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, fostering financial prosperity. Offering kheer to young girls not only earns merit but also strengthens community bonds and nurtures compassion. These selfless acts alleviate immediate suffering and remove obstacles, leading to success and collective well-being.

Spiritual Essence of Falgun Purnima 2024

Falgun Purnima, or Holika Purnima, is a cherished festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the victory of devotion over adversity. As devotees come together to offer prayers and perform rituals, they seek blessings for prosperity, well-being, and spiritual fulfillment. By adhering to the customs and legends associated with this auspicious day, devotees strive to cultivate virtues of purity, faith, and harmony in their lives, thereby enriching their spiritual journey.                         

As Falgun Purnima approaches in 2024, let us embrace its significance with reverence and gratitude, drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom embedded in its rituals and legends. May this auspicious occasion bring joy, prosperity, and inner peace to all who celebrate it with devotion and sincerity.