Noida, March 2 -- Holi 2026: Is It on March 3 or March 4? Know the Correct Date, Lunar Eclipse Impact & Holika Dahan Muhurat!
victory of good over evil, love, harmony, and positive energy.
Like every year, many people are confused about the correct date of Holi in 2026. The biggest question this time is:
Will Holi be celebrated on March 3 or March 4, 2026?
lunar eclipse
Let us understand in detail the correct Holi date, Holika Dahan muhurat, eclipse timing, and proper worship method.
When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
As per Sanatan tradition, Holika Dahan is performed on the night of Phalguna Purnima, one day before Holi.
In 2026:
Holika Dahan Date:
Monday, March 2, 2026
Holika Dahan symbolizes the destruction of evil forces, negativity, and ego. It commemorates the unwavering devotion of Bhakta Prahlad and the divine protection of Lord Vishnu.
Auspicious Muhurat for Holika Dahan:
According to scriptures, performing Holika Dahan during the Pradosh Kaal is considered highly auspicious, as positive energies are believed to be strongest during this time.
Auspicious Timing:
6:22 PM to 8:53 PM
Performing the ritual during this period is believed to bring prosperity, peace, health, and happiness to the family.
When Will Colorful Holi Be Celebrated in 2026?
In 2026, Dhulandi (the festival of colors) will be celebrated on:
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Although the Full Moon (Purnima) influence continues on March 3, the celebration of Holi has been shifted due to the lunar eclipse occurring on that day.
Why Will Holi Not Be Celebrated on March 3, 2026?
first lunar eclipse of the year
March 3, 2026
According to religious beliefs, performing auspicious activities, celebrations, or rituals during an eclipse period is considered inauspicious. Hence, astrologers and Panchang experts advise against celebrating Holi on this day.
Lunar Eclipse and Sutak Period Timings:
Lunar Eclipse Begins:
3:20 PM
Lunar Eclipse Ends:
6:47 PM
Sutak Period Begins:
6:20 AM onward
During the Sutak period, temple doors are traditionally closed, and activities such as worship, cooking, and other auspicious rituals are avoided.
Religious Significance of Holika Dahan:
Holika Dahan conveys important spiritual messages:
Truth and devotion always triumph.
Ego and injustice ultimately perish.
Negative energies must be eliminated from life.
It is believed that symbolic burning in the Holika fire helps remove past troubles, illnesses, and mental stress.
Holika Dahan Puja Method:
Performing Holika Dahan rituals with family in the evening is considered highly auspicious.
Puja Preparation:
Prepare a worship plate (puja thali).
Keep vermilion (roli), rice grains (akshat), flowers, jaggery, and coconut.
Include wheat stalks and Satanaja (seven grains mixture).
Step-by-Step Ritual:
Visit the Holika site.
Face the East or North direction.
Circumambulate (parikrama) the Holika.
Offer roli, akshat, flowers, and jaggery.
Pray for family prosperity and protection.
After lighting the fire, perform parikrama around it.
In many regions, newly harvested grains are roasted in the fire and consumed as sacred prasad.
Traditional Holi Guidelines:
Avoid playing with colors on eclipse day.
Use natural and eco-friendly colors.
Take special care of children and elderly people.
Avoid anger and conflicts during the festival.
Holi is ultimately a festival of love, forgiveness, and strengthening relationships.
Important Dates for Holi 2026:
Holika Dahan:
March 2, 2026 (Monday)
Lunar Eclipse:
March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
Festival of Colors (Dhulandi):
March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
Conclusion:
spiritual purification and a positive new beginning
Perform Holika Dahan at the auspicious time and celebrate Holi with joy, love, and enthusiasm on March 4, welcoming prosperity, happiness, and positive energy into your life.
If you found this information helpful, do share it with your friends and family so that more people can celebrate Holi 2026 on the correct date and auspicious timing while embracing positivity and prosperity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Astro Devam.