The vibrant and widely recognized Hindu celebration known as Holi is approaching quickly. As the preparations for this “festival of colors” are underway, many people are eager to know when is Holi. Holi 2026 will be celebrated on 4 March 2026.
Often, there is uncertainty regarding the dates of Holi celebrations, as the festivities commence the night before with Holika Dahan (the bonfire). To help clarify the dates for Holi celebrations, we present the calendar dates from Drik Panchang. Holi celebrations include playing with colors and sharing sweets.
Holi Celebration Dates 2026
The date for Holi in 2026 is set for March 4th. Known as Rangawali Holi or Dhulandi, this vibrant festival will be observed in March this year. The date of Holi varies annually and is based on the Hindu calendar.
This year, Holika Dahan is set to take place on 3 March, with the favorable muhurta starting at 6:22 PM and ending at 8:50 PM. Consequently, Holi will be celebrated on 4 March, which falls on a Wednesday. For reference, Holika Dahan will be observed on 2 March 2026.
The auspicious timing for Holi 2026 is during Bhadra Punchha, which takes place from 1:25 AM to 2:35 AM on March 3, 2026.
Significance of Holi Festival
Bhadra Mukha takes place from 2:35 AM to 4:30 AM on March 3, 2026.
Holika Dahan takes place during Pradosh without Udaya Vyapini Purnima, and it will be celebrated on 2 March 2026.
The Purnima Tithi starts at 5:55 PM on March 2, 2026, marking an important moment for the celebration of Holi.
Festivities and Traditions
The Purnima Tithi concludes at 5:07 PM on 3 March 2026. Holika Dahan should be celebrated during the Pradosh Kaal, which occurs while the Purnimasi Tithi is active and after Bhadra has passed, as per sacred Hindu scriptures. It is important to note that Pradosh Kaal begins after sunset. To indicate the favorable time for conducting Holika Dahan, Drik Panchang mentions, “Bhadra is present during the initial half of Purnimasi Tithi, and all auspicious activities should be avoided during this period.”
The Holi festival represents the victory of good over evil and is deeply rooted in the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika. In this tale, the demon king Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Holika, Prahlad’s wicked aunt, tricked him into joining her on a fiery pyre. Yet, while Holika perished in the flames, Prahlad was miraculously unharmed due to his steadfast faith. It is said that Lord Vishnu later took the form of Lord Narasimha to save Prahlad and defeat the tyrant Hiranyakashipu.
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Preparing for Holi 2026
The rituals of the Holi festival commence a day prior with Holika Dahan, also referred to as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi. Families gather around a bonfire to honor Holika, offering prayers and symbolic grains. After the evening festivities, the celebration continues on the morning of Holi day with vibrant colors, traditional sweets, and refreshing drinks. Holi celebrations include playing with colors and sharing sweets.
Gujiya, a classic sweet from North India, is crafted from kneaded dough filled with a delightful mixture of sweet khoya, nuts, raisins, and cardamom. To prepare, roll the dough into a circular shape, press it into a mold, fill it with the mixture, moisten the edges, and seal the mold. Fry this treat until golden brown for a crispy indulgence. Holi celebrations often include sharing such sweets.
In Nagpur, students joyfully celebrate and throw 'gulal' during a 'Holi Milan' gathering in anticipation of the upcoming 'Holi' festival, which will take place on March 4, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI02_27_2026_000165B) ( PTI )
