New Delhi: Holika Dahan is more than a ceremonial bonfire lit before Holi. It represents the end of negativity and the beginning of renewal. Observed every year on the night of Phalguna Purnima, this sacred ritual reminds devotees of the protection of Prahlad and the fall of destructive forces. Many people search each year for a clear answer to one question: Holika Dahan kab hai?
Here is the verified and structured information for Holika Dahan 2026, along with the correct muhurat and step-by-step rituals for celebrating it properly.
Holika Dahan 2026 exact date
Holika Dahan in 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Rangwali Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated the following day on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Holika Dahan is performed during the evening, specifically in Pradosh Kaal, while the Purnima tithi is active. Since the Hindu calendar follows lunar calculations, the date changes every year.
Holika Dahan 2026: Muhurat and tithi details
The important timings for 2026 are as follows:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 5:55 PM on 2 March 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 5:07 PM on 3 March 2026
Auspicious Muhurat for Holika Dahan
- 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM on 3 March 2026
- Total Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes
This period falls within Pradosh Kaal and is considered appropriate for lighting the sacred fire.
Bhadra Timing
- Bhadra Punchha: 1:25 AM to 2:35 AM on 4 March
- Bhadra Mukha: 2:35 AM to 4:30 AM on 4 March
Since Bhadra begins late at night, the evening muhurat on 3 March remains unaffected. Therefore, Holika Dahan performed during this time is considered scripturally correct and free from inauspicious influence.
In Jyotish Shastra, this ritual is sometimes called Samvatsar Dahan, meaning the symbolic burning of the past year’s difficulties to welcome a new phase of energy and hope.
Religious significance of Holika Dahan
The origin of Holika Dahan lies in the story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him from fire, while Holika, who misused her power, perished. The sacred fire, therefore, symbolizes the victory of faith over arrogance and truth over oppression.
It is believed that worshipping the Holika fire helps remove household doshas, health disturbances, and negative influences. Families gather around the flame to pray for protection, prosperity, and peace.
Holika Dahan also marks the seasonal transition from winter to spring. It reflects both spiritual and natural renewal.
Holika Dahan Rituals: Step-by-step method
To perform Holika Dahan properly, follow this structured and simple method.
1. Personal preparation
Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Sit facing east or north. Maintain a calm state of mind and avoid unnecessary distractions.
2. Prepare the puja samagri
Keep the following items ready:
- Roli
- Akshat
- Fresh flowers
- Raw cotton thread
- Whole turmeric
- Whole moong
- Batasha
- Kalava
- Wheat ears or roasted chana
Arrange the items neatly in a clean puja thali before the muhurat begins.
3. Offer water and initial worship
Sprinkle water around the Holika structure. Offer water at its base. Apply roli and akshat, and offer flowers with devotion.
4. Perform Parikrama
Wrap the raw cotton thread around the Holika structure while taking three or seven rounds in a clockwise direction.
- Three rounds symbolize the purification of body, mind, and soul.
- Seven rounds are believed to bring long-term protection and well-being.
During parikrama, pray sincerely for your family’s happiness and stability.
5. Light the sacred fire
During the prescribed muhurat, light the Holika using camphor. Once the flames rise steadily, fold your hands and pray.
Chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” is considered beneficial for spiritual strength and mental peace.
6. Offer new harvest grains
Offer wheat ears or roasted chana into the flames as a mark of gratitude for abundance. This act symbolizes welcoming the new agricultural and seasonal cycle.
Religious and seasonal importance
Holika Dahan carries both religious and seasonal relevance. Religiously, it represents the burning of ego and negativity. Spiritually, it encourages self-reflection and renewal.
Seasonally, the ritual coincides with the shift from winter to spring. Traditionally, the warmth of the fire is believed to purify the environment during climatic transition.
The act of gathering around the sacred flame also strengthens community bonds and family unity.
Holika Dahan 2026 offers a moment to release old burdens and begin anew. Observing the ritual during the correct muhurat and with the proper method ensures that the celebration is both spiritually meaningful and traditionally accurate.
Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to [email protected].