Holi Dahan 2026 Date: Holi is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated across India with colours, joy, and a spirit of unity. Every year, Holi is observed on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, following Phalguna Purnima, while Holika Dahan is performed a day earlier. There is confusion among devotees regarding the exact date of Holi in 2026, so here is the complete information including the correct date, auspicious timings, and religious significance.
According to astrologer and Vastu expert Rakesh Chaturvedi, Holi of colours will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, while Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Phalguna Purnima Tithi will begin on March 2, 2026, at 5:55 PM and end on March 3, 2026, at 4:40 PM. During this period, Bhadra Kaal will also be in effect from March 2 at 5:55 PM to March 3 at 5:32 AM, during which auspicious rituals are not performed. Therefore, Holika Dahan should be conducted only after the end of Bhadra.
The auspicious time for Holika Dahan on March 3, 2026, will be from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM, which is considered highly favourable for performing the sacred ritual of Holika Puja and lighting the ceremonial fire.
Lunar Eclipse Effect on Holi 2026
A lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will occur on March 3, 2026, from 3:21 PM to 6:46 PM, and it will be visible in India. The Sutak period will begin at 6:20 AM, during which religious activities are restricted. Due to this, the tradition of playing with colours will not be observed on March 3, and Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.
Holashtak and Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026
Holashtak will begin on February 24, 2026, and continue until March 3, 2026. During this period, marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are avoided. Rangbhari Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 27, 2026, marking the beginning of Holi celebrations in places like Kashi and Mathura.
How to Perform Holika Dahan Puja
On the day of Holika Dahan, devotees should wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. In the evening, prepare a puja thali and go to the Holika Dahan site, sitting facing east or north. Offer cow dung cakes, roli, rice grains, fruits, flowers, turmeric, green gram, jaggery, gulal, wheat ears, sugarcane, and gram. Perform the puja with devotion and light the sacred fire, praying for prosperity and the destruction of negativity.