Holi falls onย Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in most parts of India. Some regions may celebrate it on March 3, depending on local panchang calculations and temple traditions. Either way, the celebrations begin a day earlier with Holika Dahan.
Holi 2026 Date and Timings
| Observance | Date | Day | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purnima Tithi Begins | March 2, 2026 | Monday | 5:55 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | 5:07 PM |
| Holika Dahan | March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | After Sunset |
| Rangwali Holi | March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Morning |
In 2026, a lunar eclipse aligns with the full moon. This may affect ritual timings in some areas. Always check your local panchang before finalising your plans.
What Is Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan takes place on the evening before Holi. People light bonfires after sunset and gather to pray and perform rituals around the fire.
The ritual marks the story of Prahlad and Holika from Hindu tradition. Hiranyakashyap, a demon king, tried to kill his own son Prahlad through his sister Holika. Prahlad survived. Holika burned. The bonfire represents the victory of devotion over evil. In South India, people call this ritual Kama Dahanam.
Rangwali Holi
The next morning, Rangwali Holi begins. People apply dry coloured powder called gulal on friends and family. Many also use wet colours mixed with water. Music, dance, sweets, and community gatherings fill the day.
The most popular sweet eaten on Holi is gujiya a deep-fried pastry filled with khoya, sugar, nuts, and cardamom. Families prepare it in advance and store it in airtight boxes where it stays fresh for up to a week.
Holi in the Braj Region
The grandest Holi celebrations happen in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, associated with Lord Krishna. Cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Nandgaon, and Barsana draw visitors from across the country and the world every year.
The most famous event is Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully hit men with sticks. The tradition re-enacts the story of Krishna teasing Radha and her friends.
Why Holi Is Celebrated
Holi marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, the strength of devotion and faith, and the beginning of new life. The festival also brings people together. Old disagreements are set aside. Communities celebrate side by side.
How to Celebrate Responsibly
Many families now choose natural and herbal gulal made from flowers, turmeric, and maize starch instead of synthetic colours. These are safer for skin, easy to wash off, and do not harm the environment.
As March approaches, kitchens across India are filling with the smell of gujiya and homes are stocking up on colours. Holi 2026 is not just a day โ it is a week of preparation, warmth, and celebration that reminds people why community matters.
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