Due to restrictions on cutting trees, the tree trunk used for Holika dahan is grown in the courtyard of the home. After the festival, the branches of the unburnt tree are replanted as saplings, a process that takes nearly five years for them to mature into full trees.
Holika is associated with fertility, marriage, and birth; hence, she is treated like a new bride. Accordingly, all the rituals that are performed for the bride during a Koli wedding are also performed for Holika.
The ground where the tree trunk is installed is purified using cow dung and holy water. The tree trunk is erected by placing it in a hole dug in the ground and secured into position using ropes.
The trunk is smeared with haldi (turmeric); similar to how a prospective bride is smeared with turmeric during the haldi chadavane (haldi ceremony) before a Koli wedding.
The chakki (grinding stone) is used in various ceremonies to represent strength, stability, and the enduring nature of marriage. During the wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom may place their feet or stand on the grinding stone, symbolizing their firm commitment to the vows they are making.