Holi Festival 2026

Full Date

3 March 2026 Evening 6:23 PM – 4 March 2026 Evening 6:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Holika Dahan

  Celebrated on the night before Holi, symbolizing the burning of evil and cleansing of the soul. Main muhurat for Holika Dahan is from 6:23 PM to 8:51 PM on March 3, 2026.

  3 March 2026 6:23 PM – 3 March 2026 8:51 PM

• Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi)

  The joyous day of playing with colors, celebrated on March 4, 2026 across India marking fraternity and love.

  4 March 2026 6:00 AM – 4 March 2026 6:00 PM

Introduction

Holi, the festival of colors and joy, symbolizes love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna month, it welcomes spring with laughter, vibrant colors, and social harmony across India and the world.

Other Names

Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, Phagwah, Festival of Colours

Pooja Vidhi

• On Holika Dahan, set up a wooden bonfire symbolizing Holika’s pyre.
• Offer grains, coconuts, and worship materials while chanting Holika mantras.
• Circle the bonfire three times praying for removal of negativity and evil.
• On Rangwali Holi morning, begin with applying colors to Lord Krishna idols or elders.
• Celebrate with colors, songs, music, and sweets spreading love and joy.

Rituals

• Holika Dahan bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• People offer grains, coconuts, and new harvest crops to the fire as a thanksgiving ritual.
• The next day, Rangwali Holi is celebrated by throwing colors, playing music, and enjoying sweets.
• Special sweets like gujiya and drinks like thandai are prepared for the occasion.
• People visit friends and families, exchanging colors and greetings to strengthen bonds.

Regional Highlights

• Mathura and Vrindavan host the grandest Holi events, including Phoolon wali Holi and Widow Holi.
• Barsana and Nandgaon celebrate Lathmar Holi a week before Rangwali Holi.
• In North India, Holi bonfires and color festivals fill cities with joy and devotion.
• In West Bengal, it is celebrated as Dol Purnima with Krishna worship and cultural fairs.

History

The origins of Holi trace back to ancient Hindu legends. According to the Bhagavata Purana, the festival commemorates the victory of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, over the demoness Holika. When Holika tried to burn Prahlad in a fire, she herself was destroyed while Prahlad emerged unharmed. This symbolizes the eternal triumph of devotion and truth.

Additional Information

• Holi promotes unity, forgiveness, and social harmony through colors and festivity.
• The festival marks the agricultural season of rabi harvest and arrival of spring.
• Eco-friendly Holi with herbal colors and reduced water usage is gaining popularity.