Holika Dahan 2026 Date: Is It on March 2 or March 3? Check Exact Muhurat, Time & Significance

Holika Dahan , also known as Chhoti Holi, will be celebrated in 2026 on Tuesday, March 3. This traditional festival takes place the evening before the main Holi celebration. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi festivities and symbolizes the triumph of good forces over evil ones. After Holika Dahan, the colourful Holi festival will be celebrated on March 4.

What Time to Light the Holika Bonfire

For people observing the Holika Dahan 2026 ritual, knowing the auspicious time, or muhurat, is very important. Devotees believe performing the ceremony in the right muhurat brings blessings, success, and positive energy. This year, the Holika Dahan muhurat on March 3 is:

06:22 PM to 08:50 PM (India Standard Time)

These evening hours are the best time to perform the traditional bonfire ceremony and related prayers according to local calendars.

Purnima Tithi and Bhadra Timings

Holika Dahan is tied to lunar phases, especially Purnima tithi, which refers to the full moon. For Holika Dahan 2026:

• Purnima tithi begins at 05:55 PM on March 2
  
  
• Purnima tithi ends at 05:07 PM on March 3
  
  

Understanding Bhadra periods is also part of planning Holika Dahan rituals because some families avoid lighting the bonfire during these times. For New Delhi, Drik Panchang lists:

• Bhadra Punchha: 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM, March 3

Bhadra Mukha: 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM, March 3

These timings help devotees choose a favourable window for traditional observances.

Why People Celebrate Holika Dahan

Millions of people across India and Nepal celebrate Holika Dahan each year to symbolize the victory of good over evil and to welcome the season of spring. The bonfire night is believed to have spiritual and emotional benefits. Many families perform customs and prayers around the fire that are thought to:

• Cleanse the human body both emotionally and physically
  
  
• Destroy disease-causing bacteria in the surroundings

Purify homes and local neighbourhoods through sacred fire energy

These traditions reflect deep cultural meaning tied to community, renewal, and inner purity.

The Story Behind Holika Dahan

The legend behind Holika Dahan comes from ancient Hindu folklore and centers around the young devotee Prahlad and the demoness Holika. According to the story, Prahlad stayed devoted to Lord Vishnu even when his father, King Hiranyakashyapu, wanted everyone to worship him instead. When Prahlad refused, the king became furious and sought help from his sister Holika.

Holika was believed to have a special protection from fire, so she agreed to sit with Prahlad in a burning pyre to kill him. But the tale tells that Prahlad was saved because of his faith, and Holika was burned instead. Villagers now light a bonfire each year to remember that good and truth always win over evil, demonstrating the core meaning of Holika Dahan.