Holi 2026: Celebrating the Festival of Colors and Holika Dahan
Holi 2026 Date: There was some uncertainty regarding the date for Holika Dahan due to an upcoming lunar eclipse, but this has now been clarified. Holika Dahan will take place on Monday, March 2nd, coinciding with the full moon of Falgun Purnima, which occurs during Pradoshkaal. The lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 3rd, followed by the vibrant celebration of Holi on March 4th. This unique three-day event has sparked excitement and curiosity among both devotees and astrologers. Anticipation is high nationwide for this festive occasion. Earlier, there was significant confusion about the Holika Dahan date, but astrologers have now reached a consensus.
Monday, March 2nd: Holika Dahan
According to tradition, Holika Dahan is celebrated on the eve of Falgun Purnima, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Across the nation, wood piles will be prepared, prayers will be offered, and the fire will be ignited at an auspicious time. People will also throw in ears of the new harvest into the flames, praying for prosperity.
Date and Time of Purnima 2026
Purnima Tithi Starts – March 2, 5:55 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends – March 3, 5:07 PM
On March 2, Bhadra Mukha will be observed from 2:38 AM to 4:34 AM. Holika Dahan is traditionally performed on Purnima Tithi. However, since Purnima Tithi will continue until 5:07 PM on March 3, Holika Dahan cannot be conducted on that day.
Bhadra Kaal
With Holika Dahan set for March 2, 2026, it is important to note that Bhadra Kaal will commence at 5:58 PM on that day and last until 5:30 AM on March 3, 2026. It is advisable to perform Holika Dahan before Bhadra Kaal begins.
Lunar Eclipse on March 3rd
Tuesday, March 3: Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, the day following Holika Dahan. This eclipse will start at 3:20 PM and conclude at 6:47 PM. The full moon phase will end before the eclipse concludes. The Sutak period will begin at 6:23 AM. If Holika is to be burned on March 3, it should be done after the lunar eclipse. During the eclipse, temple doors will remain closed, and devotees will engage in chanting and meditation. This astronomical phenomenon happens when the Earth, Sun, and Moon align, casting the Earth's shadow on the Moon.
Wednesday, March 4: Holi of Colors, Dhulendi
The festival of colors is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Chaitra. This year, the colorful festivities will take place on Wednesday, March 4. On this day, people joyfully apply gulal (colored powder) to one another, embrace, set aside differences, and promote a spirit of brotherhood. The celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are particularly renowned, lasting several days. The festival marks the end of Holika and the victory of the devotee Prahlad.
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