Falen ka panda (Holika Dahan)
India
Only a 4-second ritual.
On this occasion, combustible materials such as dry grass and twigs are stacked to form the Holika pyre, which is ignited in the evening or night. This ceremonial fire represents the cleansing and purifying power that eradicates negativity and malevolence. The name "Holika Dahanan" itself is derived from the act of igniting this sacred fire.
This ritual can be seen throughout India.
The origin of Holika Dahanan is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the demoness Holika possessed a seat endowed with sacred powers, allowing her to remain unscathed by fire. However, her nephew Prahlada, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was a devout worshiper of Lord Vishnu and resisted Holika's attempt to harm him.
Prahlada's unwavering faith and the divine protection he received led to a reversal of fortunes. In a twist of fate, Holika, who intended to harm Prahlada, found herself engulfed in the very fire she thought would shield her. This symbolic event signifies the liberation from demonic oppression and the ultimate victory of truth and virtue.
The fire in Holika Dahanan is considered sacred, representing the purging of evil forces and the purification of the surroundings. People gather around the Holika pyre, seeking blessings for a fresh start and celebrating the triumph of righteousness.
It's worth noting that in some regions, including parts of rural India, cow dung is traditionally used in the construction of the Holika pyre. This practice is rooted in cultural beliefs that consider cow dung as a purifying substance. The inclusion of cow dung in the pyre is believed to enhance the sanctity of the fire and symbolize the renewal of life and fertility. Thus, Holika Dahanam reflects not only the spiritual aspects of Hinduism but also the diverse cultural practices associated with the celebration.
And in the small rural village of Falen on the outskirts of Mathura, an astonishing Holika takes place.
The name of that ritual is called "Falen ka panda."
＊About the Photo
A Swastika drawn on the temple wall using cow dung. The Swastika (卍) symbolizes good fortune in Sanskrit and is used as an auspicious emblem. Additionally, cow dung holds sacred significance in Hindu culture, embodying various symbolic meanings such as purification, prosperity, and protection from adversity.
Despite the early hour of 4 AM, there's an incredible crowd, likely exceeding 3 meters in height. It's a gathering around the bundles of straw and cow dung, crafted for the Holika Dahan ritual. The green building to the left is the temple.
After the subsiding of the COVID turmoil, upon revisiting, the green temple had been refurbished into an impressive marble-clad structure. In the past, it had a sense of being a quietly conducted rural ritual, but recently, perhaps due to media coverage, the presence of foreign photographers has become more noticeable.
He, who is in the background, is the protagonist of this ceremony.
Although we can only witness it for four seconds, the fasting and purification rituals have been going on for several days.
The flames roar intensely after ignition, and people scramble away from the heat. Once the flames stabilize, the firewalking begins.
After purifying oneself in the nearby pond, the firewalking ceremony begins.
Only Brahmin men can perform firewalking.
After completing the firewalking, a young man is carried by those around him. He emerged unscathed with only minor burns.
As the flames rise, the chill of the early morning at 4 AM and drowsiness are instantly dispelled. After ignition, the heat is so intense that it feels like your skin might burn, and people who unknowingly try to watch from the front row scramble away every year. It's quite a challenge to secure a good position among them to take photos.
The blazing straw pyre is unstable to run through; there's a risk of it collapsing or having to kneel amidst the flames. However, this was the first time I experienced such tension while taking photos.
On the contrary, some people start firewalking after the flames have mostly diminished, but they are not running for the sake of being photographed.
As the day breaks, the most vibrant Hindu festival, Holi, begins.
There are so many Holi photos, and I'm struggling to decide on the concept and which photos to include.