Preparations for Holi, one of the most auspicious festivals among Hindus, have begun. With less than a month left, devotees are curious about the date of the festival. Also known as Rangawali Holi or Dhulandi, Holi will be celebrated in March this year.
Since the celebrations begin the night before Holi with the Holika Dhahan (fire), there is often confusion surrounding the date of Holi festivities.
Date of Holi 2026
According to Drika Panchang, Holi will be celebrated on 4th March, Wednesday. The auspicious muhurta of Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday, March 3 from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM.
Holi 2026 auspicious time
Bhadra Punchha – 1:25 to 2:35
Bhadra Mukha – 2:35 to 4:30
Holika Dahan during Pradosh without Udaya Vyapini Purnima
Purnima Tithi starts on March 2, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Purnima Tithi ends – March 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM
According to sacred Hindu scriptures, Holika Dahan should be observed during Pradosh Kaal (which starts after sunset) while Purnimasi Tithi prevails. “Bhadra predominates during the first half of Purnimasi Tithi and when Bhadra predominates, all good work should be avoided,” says Drik Panchang.
Holi legend
Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, the celebrations originate from the story of Prahlad and Holika. According to legends, the demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son Prahlada, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s evil aunt Holika tricked him into sitting on the pyre with her. In the end, Holik was burnt while Prahlad survived. Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared on Earth in the form of Lord Narasimha to protect Prahlada and kill the demon Hiranyakashipu.
The evening before Holi, families gather around fires, worship Holika, say prayers and symbolic grains, and celebrate the festival of colors with traditional sweets and drinks. Notably, the eve of Holi is also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi.