Ayodhya, Amrit Vichar: Preparations are on to celebrate Holi in Ayodhya district as per the tradition of Awadh. The colors of Holi will start shining in Ramnagari with Rangbhari Ekadashi on 27th February in the district. There are preparations for Holika Dahan at a total of 2,195 places on Phalgun Purnima on March 2. In this, Holika Dahan will be held at 113 places in Kotwali Ayodhya area, 207 in City Kotwali area, 78 in Cantt police station area, 91 in Kumarganj, 92 in Khandasa and 120 places in Inayat Nagar area and other places. For this, road traffic has already been carried out on the occasion of Vasant Panchami festival on 2nd February. At the same time, the administration has made extensive preparations to make this festival peaceful and safe.
Acharya of Ayodhya Dham Pt. Devnath tells that at many places there is a tradition of burning Bharbholiya during Holika. Bharbholi are dumplings made from cow dung, which have a hole in the middle. A garland is made by inserting a string of Moonj in this hole. There are seven Bharbholiyas in a garland. Before lighting the fire in Holi, this garland is revolved seven times over the heads of the brothers and thrown away. At night during Holika Dahan, this garland is burnt along with Holika. Its meaning is that along with Holi, the evil eye on the brothers should also be burnt. Told that at some places, wheat ears and gram balls are also roasted in the Holika fire.
The officials have clarified that Holika Dahan will not be allowed at any other place except the pre-determined places. Even if the venue of any traditional event is being changed, permission for that is also mandatory. Special arrangements have been made for security at all these places. Police and Home Guard personnel will be deployed at all places. Besides, the police station and outpost will also patrol and keep a vigil here. The administration is also ready to deal with hooligans and anti-social elements. Regarding this, meetings are being held with peace committees at all the police stations in the district.
Holika Dahan on 2nd, Holi will be played on 4th
According to Acharya Pandit Devnath, Falgun Shukla Purnima will start from 5:21 pm on March 2, which will continue till 4:34 pm the next day on March 3. On this day there will also be Pradosh and night time Vyappini Purnima. Therefore, Holika Dahan will be performed on the night of March 2, leaving aside the Mukhakaal of Bhadra. The auspicious time for this is from 11:48 pm to 2:27 am. Told that according to the popular belief, the festival of Holi should be celebrated on its second day i.e. on March 3. But that day there will be a partial lunar eclipse in the evening, which will last from 5:59 pm to 6:48 pm. The period of this eclipse will start from 3:20 pm, during the Sutak period no other auspicious work is done except chanting, penance and home. Due to this, Holi will be played on March 4.
Special care is being taken for security during Holi and Ramzan festivals. Celebrate the festival with joy, but violation of law and order will not be tolerated. A control room is being set up to deal with any emergency. Police and administration officials are holding peace committee meetings with all the religious gurus and elite people in the towns and police stations and appealing to conduct all the festivals safely. -Chakrapani Tripathi, SP City.












