Holi 2026: When is the festival of colours this year - 3 or 4 March? Here's all you need to know
Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated in March this year. Holika Dahan, the pre-festival bonfire, rooted in the tale of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
One of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festival — Holi — is just round the corner. With preparations for the “festival of colours” in full swing, many are concerned about the exact festival date.
Many a times confusion around the date of Holi festivities arises since celebrations start a night before Holi with Holika Dhahan (bonfire). To clear the confusion around Holi celebration dates, we bring you the Drik Panchang's calendar dates.
Holi 2026 date
The festival of Holi, which is also known as Rangawali Holi or Dhulandi, will be celebrated in March this year. Holi date changes every year and is determined by the Hindu calendar.
This year, Holika Dahan will be observed on 3 March while the auspicious muhurta will begin at 6:22 PM and conclude at 8:50 PM. This implies that Holi will be celebrated on 4 March, Wednesday.
Holi 2026 auspicious muhurat and puja time
- Bhadra Punchha - 1:25 AM to 2:35 AM
- Bhadra Mukha - 2:35 AM to 4:30 AM
- Holika Dahan during Pradosh without Udaya Vyapini Purnima
- Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on 2 March 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on 3 March 2026
Holika Dahan must be observed during Pradosh Kaal while Purnimasi Tithi is prevailing and Bhadra is over, according to sacred Hindu texts. Notably, Pradosh Kaal which starts after sunset. Suggesting the auspicious time to perform Holika Dahan, Drik Panchang states, “Bhadra prevails during first half of Purnimasi Tithi and all good work should be avoided when Bhadra prevails."
Significance of Holi festival
Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the festival is rooted in the legendary tale of Prahlad and Holika. According to mythology, the demon king Hiranyakashipu sought to kill his son Prahlad, who was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s evil aunt, Holika, deceived him into sitting with her on a blazing pyre. However, while Holika was consumed by the fire, Prahlad remained unharmed due to his unwavering faith. It is believed that Lord Vishnu later incarnated as Lord Narasimha to protect Prahlad and ultimately kill the tyrant Hiranyakashipu.
Holi festival rituals
Holi festivities start a day before the festival with Holika Dahan, which is also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, families gather around a bonfire, worship Holika, offer prayers and symbolic grains. Following the evening celebrations, people celebrate the festival with colours in the morning Holi day, enjoy traditional sweets and drinks.
Holi dishes
Gujiya, a traditional North Indian sweet, is made with kneaded dough and sweat stuffing made of sweet khoya, nuts, raisins and cardamom stuffing. Roll the dough into a round sheet, press it onto a mould, stuff the filling, apply water on the corners and close the mould. Deep fry this delicacy for a crisp gourmet delight.
Thandai, a traditional and popular North Indian drink, is made with nuts and seeds like almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds and melon seeds. Fragrant spices like green cardamom, fennel seeds, black pepper, saffron and hints of rose are also added to enhance flavour to make it refreshing and Holi favourite drink.