This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 13. As per tradition, before burning Holika Dahan, Holika is worshipped, and Puran Poli is offered as Naivedya with devotion. While every festival has its own specific offerings, Puran Poli has been an essential part of Holi celebrations for centuries. But how did this tradition come into existence? According to ancient folklore, there was a demon named Dhundha who terrorized villages by harming young children.
The people, frustrated and helpless, tried to drive her away by shouting and scolding her, but she remained undeterred. Even when they threw stones and other objects at her, she refused to retreat.
Realizing they needed a stronger solution, the villagers united at sunset. Each household contributed five pieces of firewood and five cows, and together, they built a massive bonfire in a circular formation. As the flames grew and spread, the villagers continued shouting and searching for Dhundha, determined to banish her once and for all.
Overwhelmed by fear, the demon Dhundha realized she could no longer resist. Seeing the unity of the people and the raging fire, she panicked, fled the village, and never returned. With her departure, the village children were safe, and the people breathed a sigh of relief.
The Connection Between Holi and Puran Poli
As narrated by author Gajanan Khole in his book Kuldharma Kulachar, this incident took place on the full moon night of Phalguna. The fire that helped drive away Dhundha was considered the divine work of Agni Narayan (Fire God). The women of the village, overjoyed by their children's safety, expressed their gratitude by preparing a special meal. It was the season of freshly harvested wheat and gram dal. The women ground the wheat into flour and cooked Puran Poli, generously adding ghee for richness. Alongside it, they prepared rice and vegetables, serving the meal on banana leaves and offering it to the sacred fire. In a gesture of devotion, the men of the village performed three pradakshinas (circumambulations) around Agni Narayan, marking the beginning of an age-old tradition.
The Rituals of Holi: A Symbol of Victory Over Evil
From that day forward, the custom of lighting Holi on the full moon of Phalguna became a family tradition. To symbolize the demon Dhundha, villagers place a castor, palm, mango, or any other tree in the center of the Holi pyre, decorate it with cowries (small shells), and perform rituals before setting it ablaze. Some families even throw objects into the fire, reenacting the act of driving away Dhundha.
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Thus, Holi not only celebrates the victory of good over evil but also preserves an ancient tradition through the offering of Puran Poli. This delicious, sweet flatbread, filled with jaggery and lentils, continues to be a sacred and beloved part of Holi celebrations. So, this Holi 2025, as you prepare to light the Holika fire and enjoy Puran Poli, remember the legend of Dhundha and the unity that saved a village long ago