Holi Dates 2026: The date of Holi 2026 has caused confusion as the celebrations are supposed to fall on two different days in India. While some states will celebrate the festival of colors on March 3, others will celebrate it on March 4 due to a rare astronomical event that directly affects the timing of Hindu rituals.
Holi is traditionally celebrated on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. However, in 2026, there will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of March 3, coinciding with Purnima. According to the Hindu calendar, the eclipse triggers the sutak period, during which religious rituals are considered inauspicious.
It becomes significant for Holika Dahan, a ritual fire performed the day before Holi. Holika Dahan must take place after sunset during pradosh kaal and only when neither bhadra nor sutak is in effect. As the eclipse will be visible on the evening of March 3 in many parts of India, several areas have considered this window unsuitable for the ritual.
Although Purnima tithi begins on the evening of March 2 and ends on March 3, states interpret the appropriateness of the ritual differently based on local visibility of the eclipse and traditional practice. As a result, Holika Dahan – and subsequently Holi – will be observed on different dates.
States celebrate Holi on March 3
- Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune)
- Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat)
- Rajasthan (Jaisalmer)
- karnataka (mangaluru)
States celebrating Holi on March 4
- Uttar Pradesh and Delhi
- Rajasthan (Jaipur, Kota)
- Maharashtra (Nagpur)
- Karnataka (Bengaluru, Mysuru)
- Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha
Meaning of Holi festival
Holi represents the victory of justice over evil and derives its meaning from the mythological story of Prahlada and Holika. As legend has it, the demon king Hiranyakashipu planned to kill his son Prahlad for his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu. Believing himself to be immune to fire, his sister Holika made the child sit on the burning pyre with her. The plan backfired – Holika was reduced to ashes while Prahlad emerged unscathed, protected by his faith. The story ends with Lord Vishnu assuming the ferocious form of Lord Narasimha to end Hiranyakashipu’s rule and reinforce the belief that arrogance and injustice will eventually give way to devotion and truth.
When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
- Purnima tithi starts: March 2, 2026 at 5:55 PM
- Purnima tithi ends: March 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Local panchangs and temple authorities advise devotees to follow region-specific Holika Dahan timings.
Why Holika Dahan matters
Also known as Chhoti Holi, Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The ritual recalls the legend of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from fire while his aunt Holika perished despite her boon. Fire signifies the destruction of arrogance and injustice and paves the way for the joyous, colorful celebrations of the following day.
Despite the differences in dates, the essence of Holi – welcoming spring, strengthening social bonds and celebrating harmony – remains unchanged across the country.
