Cuttack, March 5: Members of the Marwari community here today observed Holika Dahan, a ritual that takes place a day ahead of Holi to be celebrated across Odisha tomorrow.

Members of the community have kept alive the age-old tradition of Holika Dahan.

Community members, including women and children gathered at Nayasarak, where Holika Dahan was observed with pomp and grandeur.

Wearing the traditional chunri, all the women walked around the bonfire in which they threw ball shaped cow dung cakes.

'We light bonfires on the eve of Holi festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil, which is known as the Holika Dahan,' said Kavita Agarwal, a homemaker.

Agarwal said that Holika signifies burning of the negative traits. In a symbolic gesture a small branch is kept atop the bonfire that is taken out before it catches fire.

The Holika Dahan is observed on this day as it is believed that Hirayankshyap and his sister Holika had conspired to kill Prahlad by burning him.

The branch used in the bonfire represents Prahlad, who is ultimately saved while Holika meets her death in the end, Agarwal said.

The entire traditional festival of holika dahan is observed by the Marwari community with much enthusiasm as it also marks the passing of the tradition from one generation to the other.

'The tradition of Holika Dahan is enjoyed by us as people usually observe the actual festival of colours. We just want to keep the tradition alive as the youngsters are also keen to follow the practice,' said Ratan Sharma, a businessman.

The Cuttack Marwari Samaj has also planned to organise a number of programmes, including Kavi Sammelan and Rajasthani folk dances, on the occasion of Holi in the city.