Holi 2026: When Will the Festival of Colors Be Celebrated and When Is Holika Dahan? Astrologer Reveals the Correct Dates
According to astrologer Pandit Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, the auspicious timing for Holika Dahan in 2026 falls after midnight on March 2, specifically between 12:50 AM and 2:02 AM on the morning of March 3. A lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 3, occurring from 3:20 PM to 6:46 PM, with the sutak period beginning at 9:20 AM. Consequently, the festival of colors, Holi, will be celebrated across the country on March 4.
The Correct Dates for Holi 2026 and Holika Dahan
Based on classical calculations, performing Holika Dahan after midnight on March 2, during the tail end of the Bhadra period, is considered appropriate and aligned with scriptural guidelines. Devotees can conduct the traditional Holika worship during this window. According to religious texts, Holika Dahan requires the presence of the full moon date, a time free from Bhadra, and nighttime. This year, since Bhadra persists throughout the night, performing the ritual during its tail end is deemed auspicious by the scriptures.
The full moon of the Phalguna month begins at 5:55 PM on March 2 and concludes at 5:07 PM on March 3. However, as soon as the full moon begins, Bhadra enters, altering the muhurta for Holika Dahan. Scriptures prohibit Holika Dahan during the face of Bhadra but do not consider its tail end inauspicious. Therefore, the best time for Holika Dahan is after midnight on March 2, between 12:50 AM and 2:02 AM on the morning of March 3.
Lunar Eclipse on March 3
A lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, lasting from 3:20 PM to 6:46 PM. In India, the eclipse will begin with moonrise at 6:14 PM and end at 6:46 PM. According to religious beliefs, the sutak period begins approximately nine hours before the eclipse, meaning it will start at 9:20 AM. No auspicious activities or celebrations are permitted during the sutak period. Therefore, playing Holi on March 3 is not scripturally sanctioned. Due to the lunar eclipse and sutak, the festival of colors will be celebrated on March 4.
When the sunrise occurs on the Chaitra Krishna Pratipada date, that is the day to celebrate Vasantotsav or Rangotsav. This year, on March 4, the Chaitra Krishna Pratipada date will be present at sunrise. Hence, in accordance with scriptural decorum and folk tradition, Holi will be celebrated as Rangotsav across the country on March 4.
How to Choose the Right Time for Holika Dahan
According to scriptures like Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu, several factors must be carefully considered when selecting the right time for Holika Dahan.
- Full Moon Date: It is essential that the full moon date is present at the time of Holika Dahan. The ritual should be performed on the day when the full moon date exists at sunset.
- Bhadra-Free Muhurta: Auspicious tasks are not performed during the Bhadra period. Therefore, a time free from Bhadra should be chosen. Performing Holika Dahan when Bhadra is at its peak is considered prohibited. If Bhadra occurs during the twilight period, one should wait until Bhadra ends.
- Bhadra Tail: If Bhadra continues beyond midnight and no time remains for the ritual, Holika Dahan can be performed during the tail end of Bhadra in emergency situations. However, the ritual should never be done during the face of Bhadra.
Essential Rules and Worship Method for Holika Dahan
According to Hindu scriptures, Holika Dahan should only be performed during a Bhadra-free period or, in special circumstances, during the tail end of Bhadra when the full moon date is strong. For peace, happiness, and prosperity at home, the Holika worship before the burning holds special significance.
- During Holika worship, sit facing east or north.
- The worship plate should contain items such as vermilion, flowers, garlands, coconut, raw thread, whole turmeric, moong beans, colored powder, five types of grains, wheat stalks, and a pot of water.
- It is auspicious to walk around the Holika seven times with family members while wrapping raw thread around it.
- After this, offer water to Holika and perform the burning after sunset during a Bhadra-free period.
- The ash from Holika Dahan is considered very sacred. Applying this ash to the body the morning after the ritual is believed to eliminate all diseases and sorrows.
Countries Where the Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible
This partial lunar eclipse will be visible in India, as well as across Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and North and South America. According to Indian time, the lunar eclipse will begin at 3:20 PM and last until 6:46 PM. However, since moonrise in India will occur at 6:14 PM, only the final part of the eclipse, the moksha period, will be visible here.
