Holi 2026 date: There’s considerable confusion among people regarding the date of Holi this year. Almanac calculations, Bhadra period, and the lunar eclipse have fueled debate about the exact date of Holi. Let’s find out the exact date for Holi.
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Holi kab hai: Holi is awaited across the country not just for the colors but for the joyous atmosphere that permeates every street and neighborhood. However, this time, people are confused about whether Holi falls on March 3rd or 4th. The almanac, dates, and planetary positions have created considerable confusion regarding the date. Let’s understand, in simple terms, when Holika Dahan will take place this year and when will Holi, the festival of colors, be celebrated.
March 3rd or March 4th, find out when Holi is.
According to almanac calculations, the dates of many festivals have changed this year due to the influence of Adhik Maas. While last year Holi was celebrated in mid-March, this time the festival of colors will be celebrated on March 4th. Different almanacs have created confusion due to the different dates, but based on classical calculations, Holi of colors will be celebrated on March 4th.
Holi date changed due to lunar eclipse
Actually, a lunar eclipse is expected on the evening of March 3rd. According to religious belief, the Sutak period begins approximately nine hours before the eclipse, during which auspicious activities are prohibited. This is why celebrating Holi on March 4th instead of the festival of colors on March 3rd is considered scripturally appropriate.
When and in what auspicious time will Holika Dahan take place?
The Falgun Shukla Purnima (Falgun Shukla Purnima) begins at 5:32 pm on March 2nd and will last until 4:46 pm on March 3rd. Bhadra period will also begin as soon as the full moon begins. According to scriptures, Holika Dahan is not performed during the main phase of Bhadra, but rather, the tail phase of Bhadra is considered auspicious. Therefore, the auspicious time for Holika Dahan will be between 12:50 am and 2:02 am on March 2nd. The full moon will occur at sunrise on March 3rd, and on this day, the tradition of bathing, donating, fasting, and worshipping the family deity will be observed.
Holashtak begins on February 24th
The eight days preceding Holika Dahan are called Holashtak. It begins on Falgun Shukla Ashtami. In 2026, Holashtak will begin on February 24th and continue until March 3rd. According to astrological beliefs, auspicious events such as marriage, house warming, tonsure, or the beginning of any new work are not performed during these days.
A conjunction of two constellations is forming on Holi day
Holi will be celebrated on March 4th during the conjunction of Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni constellations. Purva Phalguni will prevail until morning, and Uttara Phalguni will prevail throughout the day. Dhriti Yoga will also be present, which is considered auspicious and fruitful.
Why is Holi celebrated?
Holi is not just a festival of colors, but also a symbol of faith and belief. According to legend, devotee Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father, Hiranyakashipu, tried to dissuade him from his devotion, but Prahlad remained steadfast. Holika, who had the boon of not being burned by fire, burned herself to ashes, leaving Prahlad unharmed. This is why Holika Dahan is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil, and the next day is celebrated with colors.
Despite much debate about the date this year, the situation is now clear. Holika Dahan will take place at midnight on March 2nd, and Holi of colors will be celebrated on March 4th.
