When is Holi 2026?Image Credit source: PTI
When is Holi: Holi, the festival of colors, is a symbol of happiness and brotherhood. There is intense discussion among the people regarding the date of Holi in the year 2026. If you are also confused whether Holi is on March 3 or March 4, then this news is especially for you. This time a rare astronomical event i.e. lunar eclipse is also going to occur on Holi, due to which the importance of the festival has increased further. Let us know about the exact date of Holi and the auspicious time of Holika Dahan.
According to Drik Panchang and astrological calculations, this year the Purnima Tithi is extending by two days. In such a situation, the mathematics of dates is something like this.
- Holika Dahan: 3 March 2026 (Tuesday)
- Holi with colors (Dhulendi): 4 March 2026 (Wednesday)
According to the Panchang, Purnima Tithi will start on March 2, 2026 at 05:55 PM and will end on March 3, 2026 at 05:07 PM. Since Holika Dahan is done in Pradosh Kaal (after sunset), it will be celebrated on 3rd March and on the next sunrise i.e. on 4th March, Dhulendi i.e. Holi of colors will be played.
Shadow of lunar eclipse on Holi (Holi Par Chandra Grahan)
Eclipse date: 03 March 2026
Time: It will be from 3:20 pm to 6:47 pm.
Duration: It will last approximately 3 hours 27 minutes.
What to do and what not to do during Sutak period? (Chandra Grahan’s Sutak Kaal)
This eclipse will be visible in India, hence its Sutak period will also be valid. According to religious beliefs, worship, recitation and cooking of food are prohibited during the Sutak period, but after the eclipse ends, the tradition of Holika Dahan can be followed by purification.
Method of Holika Dahan (Holika Dahan Vidhi)
Preparation: Collect dry wood, grass and cow dung cakes. Sit near Holika facing east or north. Worship using Roli, Akshat, flowers, raw cotton, jaggery, whole turmeric and moong. Wrap the raw cotton around the Holika fire, circling it 3, 5 or 7 times. At last offer water and remember Prahlad’s devotion and God’s grace.
Significance of Holi
Holi is not just a game of colors, but it is a message of victory of good over evil. This day commemorates the protection of Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the end of the arrogant Hiranyakashyap and his sister Holika. Holi is also a celebration of welcoming the arrival of spring and farewell of winter. On this day people forget old grudges and embrace each other.
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Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.