Holi 2026: Date, Holika Dahan Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Rituals, Significance & Celebrations
Holi 2026: Date, Holika Dahan Muhurat– Holi 2026 will be celebrated on 4 March with Holika Dahan on 3 March. Check exact muhurat, Panchang details, rituals, significance, and book Holi Puja online with Panditji On Way. Holi, widely known as the Festival of Colors, Festival of Love, and Festival of Spring, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and globally. Holi symbolizes joy, harmony, renewal, and the victory of good over evil.
Holi is celebrated over two sacred days:
- Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) – symbolic burning of negativity
- Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi) – playing with colors, joy, and togetherness
In 2026, Holi holds deep spiritual and astrological importance, making it ideal for Holika Dahan Puja, Satyanarayan Puja, and Mahamrityunjaya Homa.
Table of Contents
- Book Pandit for Holika Dahan & Satyanarayan Puja
- Holi 2026 Date & Holika Dahan Muhurat (Time Table)
- Why is Holi Celebrated? Spiritual Significance
- Legends Behind Holi
- Prahlad & Holika Katha
- Radha Krishna Holi Leela
- Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
- Holi 2026 Celebration Do’s and Don’ts
- Importance of Holi in Astrology & Hindu Dharma
- Book Holi Puja Online with Panditji On Way
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Holi, the grand Festival of Colors, is one of the most ancient and spiritually significant Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the end of winter, and the arrival of spring, bringing joy, unity, and renewal into people’s lives.
In 2026, Holi will be celebrated with traditional rituals, bonfires, colors, music, and social harmony across India and the world.
When is Holi in 2026? (Exact Date)
👉 Holi (Rangwali Holi) will be celebrated on:
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
👉 Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) will be observed on:
Tuesday, 3 March 2026 (Evening)
Holi is celebrated on the Purnima (Full Moon) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which marks the seasonal transition from winter to spring.
Holika Dahan 2026: Date & Muhurat (New Delhi, India)
Holika Dahan Details
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Holika Dahan Date | Tuesday, 3 March 2026 |
| Holika Dahan Muhurat | 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM |
| Duration | 2 Hours 28 Minutes |
| Bhadra Punchha | 01:36 AM to 02:46 AM |
| Bhadra Mukha | 02:46 AM to 04:43 AM |
| Rangwali Holi | Wednesday, 4 March 2026 |
Important Note:
Holika Dahan is performed only after sunset, ensuring Bhadra does not prevail and Purnima Tithi is active during Pradosh Kaal.
Why is Holi Celebrated? (Spiritual Significance)
Holi is celebrated to:
- Mark the victory of devotion over arrogance
- Destroy negative energies
- Strengthen social harmony
- Celebrate divine love and faith
- Welcome spring and fertility of land
The bonfire of Holika Dahan represents the burning of:
- Ego
- Hatred
- Jealousy
- Fear
Holika Dahan Rules According to Hindu Scriptures
As per Dharma Shastra and Panchang principles, Holika Dahan must follow strict rules.
Holashtak Period
- Begins on Ashtami of Shukla Paksha (Phalguna)
- Ends on Phalguna Purnima
- All auspicious activities are prohibited during these 8 days
Two Mandatory Scriptural Rules
1. Bhadra Kaal Must Not Prevail
- Bhadra (Vishti Karan) is considered inauspicious
- Holika Dahan must never be performed during Bhadra
- A Karan is half of a Tithi
2. Purnima Must Prevail in Pradosh Kaal
- Purnima Tithi must be active for at least 3 Muhurats after sunset
- Only then Holika Dahan is considered Shastriya and valid
What Happens After Holika Dahan?
The next day after Holika Dahan is celebrated as:
- Rangwali Holi
- Dhulandi
- Dhulendi
- Dhuli
People:
- Apply colors to each other
- Embrace and exchange greetings
- Celebrate with music, dance, and traditional sweets
Legend Behind Holika Dahan Celebration
According to Hindu Puranas, Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, was angered by his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu.
To kill Prahlad:
- Holika, who had a fire-immunity boon, sat in fire holding Prahlad
- Due to Lord Vishnu’s divine protection, Prahlad survived
- Holika was burned into ashes
This event symbolizes that:
God always protects true devotees, and evil destroys itself
Holika Dahan commemorates this divine victory.
History of Holika Dahan & Holi Festival
Holi is not a modern festival; it has ancient historical evidence:
- 16th-century painting found in Hampi, capital of Vijayanagara Empire, depicting Holi celebrations
- 300 BC inscription near Ramgarh (Vindhya region) mentions Holi
- Ancient texts associate Holi with agricultural prosperity and seasonal change
Another Belief
Some traditions believe that:
- Lord Krishna killed demoness Putana around this time
- Gopis celebrated Krishna’s victory by playing with colors
Cultural & Social Importance of Holi 2026
- Promotes forgiveness and unity
- Breaks social barriers
- Encourages joy, music, and community bonding
- Symbolizes new beginnings
Why is Holi Celebrated? Significance of Holi
Holi represents:
- Victory of Dharma over Adharma
- End of negativity and ego
- Beginning of spring and new harvest
- Celebration of divine love and unity
Spiritually, Holi reminds devotees to burn inner evils such as anger, jealousy, pride, and hatred.
Legends Behind Holi
1. Prahlad & Holika Katha (Holika Dahan Story)
King Hiranyakashipu, a demon king, opposed Lord Vishnu and demanded worship from everyone. His son Prahlad, a pure Vishnu devotee, refused. To kill Prahlad, Holika (who had a fire-immunity boon) sat with him in fire.
Due to Bhagwan Vishnu’s grace, Prahlad was saved, and Holika was burnt. This divine event symbolizes the destruction of evil and protection of devotees and is commemorated as Holika Dahan.
2. Radha Krishna Holi Leela
In Vrindavan and Mathura, Holi celebrates the playful love of Radha and Krishna. Krishna playfully applied colors on Radha, creating the tradition of Rangwali Holi, representing love beyond ego and differences.
Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Samagri Required
- Wood & cow dung cakes
- Coconut
- Wheat or gram
- Kumkum & turmeric
- Flowers
- Kalash with water
Holika Dahan Ritual Process
- Prepare the Holika bonfire in an open space
- Perform Ganesh Puja & Sankalp
- Offer water, turmeric, kumkum to Holika
- Light the fire during auspicious muhurat
- Perform Parikrama (3 or 7 rounds)
- Offer coconut & grains
- Apply sacred ash (Vibhuti) on forehead
Holi 2026 Celebration Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Use organic & herbal gulal
- Perform Satyanarayan Puja for family harmony
- Prepare Gujiya, Malpua, Puran Poli, Thandai
- Seek blessings from elders
- Celebrate responsibly
Don’ts
- Avoid chemical colors
- Do not waste water
- Avoid forcing colors on others
- Keep children safe near bonfire
Astrological Importance of Holi 2026
- Performed on Phalguna Purnima
- Highly auspicious for:
- Removing negative planetary effects
- Peace from Rahu-Ketu & Shani dosha
- Protection from evil eye
- Ideal day for Homa, Jaap, and charity (Daan)
Book Holi 2026 Puja Online with Panditji On Way
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- Holika Dahan Puja
- Satyanarayan Puja
- Mahamrityunjaya Homa
- Navagraha Shanti
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Trusted External References
- Hindu Panchang & Festivals – https://www.drikpanchang.com
- Indian Culture & Festivals – https://www.indiaculture.gov.in
Holi 2026 Panchang (New Delhi): Sunrise, Moonrise, Tithi, Nakshatra & Auspicious Timings
The Holi 2026 Panchang provides precise astronomical and astrological details essential for Holi rituals, daily puja, sankalpa, and Vedic observances. Panchang functions as a Vedic clock, calculated strictly according to geographical location, and is indispensable for Hindu religious life.
All timings below are for New Delhi, India, in 24-hour format (IST).
Sunrise & Moonrise on Holi 2026
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | 06:43 |
| Sunset | 18:23 |
| Moonrise | 19:20 |
| Moonset | 07:03 (Next Day) |
Holi 2026 Panchang – Five Core Elements
Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga & Karana
| Panchang Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Tithi | Krishna Pratipada up to 16:48 |
| Nakshatra | Purva Phalguni up to 07:39, then Uttara Phalguni |
| Yoga | Dhriti up to 08:52, then Shula |
| Karana | Kaulava up to 16:48, then Taitila up to 04:51 (Mar 05), then Garaja |
| Weekday | Budhawara (Wednesday) |
| Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
Samvat, Lunar Month & Calendar Details
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Vikram Samvat | 2082 (Kalayukta) |
| Shaka Samvat | 1947 (Vishvavasu) |
| Gujarati Samvat | 2082 (Pingala) |
| Chandramasa | Chaitra (Purnimanta), Phalguna (Amanta) |
| Ritu (Season) | Drik Ritu: Vasant (Spring) |
| Vedic Ritu | Shishir (Winter) |
| Ayana | Uttarayana |
Rashi & Planetary Positions
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Moon Sign | Simha up to 13:45, then Kanya |
| Sun Sign | Kumbha |
| Surya Nakshatra | Shatabhisha up to 00:59 (Mar 05), then Purva Bhadrapada |
| Nakshatra Pada | Multiple transitions as per Uttara Phalguni |
Auspicious Timings on Holi Day
| Muhurta | Time |
|---|---|
| Brahma Muhurta | 05:04 – 05:54 |
| Pratah Sandhya | 05:29 – 06:43 |
| Vijaya Muhurta | 14:30 – 15:16 |
| Godhuli Muhurta | 18:20 – 18:45 |
| Sayahna Sandhya | 18:23 – 19:37 |
| Amrit Kalam | 00:54 – 02:32 (Mar 05) |
| Nishita Muhurta | 00:08 – 00:57 (Mar 05) |
Inauspicious Timings (Avoid for Puja & New Work)
| Dosha / Kaal | Time |
|---|---|
| Rahu Kalam | 12:33 – 14:00 |
| Yamaganda | 08:11 – 09:38 |
| Gulikai Kalam | 11:06 – 12:33 |
| Dur Muhurtam | 12:10 – 12:56 |
| Varjyam | 15:02 – 16:41 |
| Aadal Yoga | 07:39 – 00:59 (Mar 05) |
Chandrabalam & Tarabalam (Important for Rituals)
Good Chandrabalam (Till 13:45)
Mithuna, Simha, Tula, Vrishchika, Kumbha, Meena
Good Chandrabalam (Till Next Sunrise)
Mesha, Karka, Kanya, Dhanu, Meena
Good Tarabalam (Till 07:39)
Ashwini, Krittika, Rohini, Ardra, Pushya, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Mula, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Shatabhisha, Uttara Bhadrapada
Panchaka Rahita Muhurta (Condensed)
| Time Slot | Status |
|---|---|
| 07:17 – 07:39 | Good Muhurta |
| 10:17 – 12:13 | Good Muhurta |
| 14:27 – 16:47 | Good Muhurta |
| 19:05 – 21:21 | Good Muhurta |
| 23:41 – 01:59 (Mar 05) | Good Muhurta |
Why Panchang Is Essential in Hinduism
Panchang is not merely a calendar—it is a Vedic time-keeping system used to:
- Determine auspicious & inauspicious timings
- Perform Sankalpa (requires all five Panchang elements)
- Observe Sandhya Vandana
- Decide Holi, fasts, vratas & festivals
- Calculate Rahu Kaal, Abhijit & Brahma Muhurta
- Align rituals with Sun & Moon movements
Each Panchang is location-specific, which makes city-wise Panchang essential.
Conclusion
The Holi 2026 Panchang for New Delhi provides complete guidance for rituals, celebrations, and daily spiritual practices. From sunrise to Nishita Muhurta, Panchang governs every sacred action and ensures alignment with cosmic rhythm and Vedic principles.
For Holi, puja, sankalpa, or daily worship, referring to Panchang is indispensable.
Frequently Asked Questions – Holi & Holika Dahan 2026 (SEO Optimized)
1. When is Holi in 2026?
Holi (Rangwali Holi) will be celebrated on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The festival falls on the Purnima (full moon) of the Hindu month Phalguna.
2. When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, a day before Rangwali Holi, during the evening hours after sunset.
3. What is the exact Holika Dahan Muhurat in 2026?
For New Delhi, India, the Holika Dahan Muhurat is from 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM (IST) on 3 March 2026, with a duration of 2 hours 28 minutes.
4. Why is Holika Dahan performed at night?
Holika Dahan is performed after sunset because Purnima Tithi must prevail during Pradosh Kaal, and the ritual must not be performed during Bhadra Kaal, as per Hindu scriptures.
5. What is the significance of Holika Dahan?
Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil and commemorates the divine protection of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, from the demoness Holika.
6. What is Bhadra Kaal and why is it avoided for Holika Dahan?
Bhadra Kaal (Vishti Karana) is considered inauspicious. Hindu scriptures strictly prohibit performing Holika Dahan during Bhadra, as it is believed to bring negative results.
7. What is Holashtak and why are auspicious works avoided during this period?
Holashtak refers to the eight days before Phalguna Purnima, during which auspicious activities like marriages and griha pravesh are avoided due to unstable planetary energies.
8. On which Tithi is Holi 2026 celebrated?
Holi is celebrated on Phalguna Purnima Tithi, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
9. What rituals are performed during Holika Dahan?
During Holika Dahan, devotees:
- Light a sacred bonfire
- Offer coconut, grains, and water
- Perform parikrama (circumambulation)
- Pray for removal of negativity and obstacles
10. What is celebrated the day after Holika Dahan?
The day after Holika Dahan is celebrated as Rangwali Holi, also known as Dhulandi, Dhulendi, or Dhuli, where people play with colors and celebrate unity.
11. What is the religious importance of Panchang during Holi 2026?
Panchang provides accurate timings for rituals, including sunrise, sunset, tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana, ensuring all ceremonies are performed according to Vedic principles.
12. Can Holika Dahan be performed at home?
Yes, Holika Dahan rituals can be performed at home or in societies under the guidance of a knowledgeable Pandit, following local safety regulations and scriptural rules.
13. Which pujas are considered auspicious on Holi 2026?
Pujas such as Holika Dahan Puja, Satyanarayan Puja, and Maha Mrityunjaya Homa are considered highly auspicious on Holi for peace and prosperity.
14. What is the historical evidence of Holi celebration in India?
Historical evidence includes:
- 16th-century paintings from Hampi
- 300 BC inscriptions near Ramgarh (Vindhya region)
These confirm Holi as one of India’s oldest festivals.
15. What does Holi spiritually signify in Hinduism?
Spiritually, Holi signifies burning of ego, hatred, and negativity, and embracing forgiveness, harmony, and renewal.
16. What is the best time to light the Holika bonfire in 2026?
The best time to light the Holika bonfire in 2026 is during the Holika Dahan Muhurat from 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM (IST) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, after sunset and outside Bhadra Kaal.
17. Is Holika Dahan done before or after sunset?
Holika Dahan is always performed after sunset, during Pradosh Kaal, when Purnima Tithi is active, as prescribed by Hindu scriptures.
18. What items are required for Holika Dahan Puja?
Essential items for Holika Dahan Puja include wood, cow dung cakes, coconut, wheat or gram, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and a water-filled kalash.
19. Why is coconut offered in Holika Dahan?
Coconut symbolizes the destruction of ego and the offering of one’s negative tendencies into the sacred fire during Holika Dahan.
20. Is Holi celebrated on the same day across India?
Yes, Rangwali Holi is celebrated on the same lunar day (Phalguna Purnima) across India, but Holika Dahan Muhurat may vary by city due to geographical Panchang differences.
21. What should be avoided on the day of Holika Dahan?
On the day of Holika Dahan, devotees should avoid:
- Performing rituals during Bhadra Kaal
- Starting new auspicious activities
- Disrespecting the sacred fire
- Unsafe bonfire practices
22. How does Holi help spiritually according to Hinduism?
Spiritually, Holi helps in letting go of past negativity, promoting forgiveness, and renewing one’s faith, relationships, and inner balance.
Conclusion
Holi 2026, celebrated on 4 March, with Holika Dahan on 3 March, holds deep religious, astrological, historical, and cultural importance. By following proper scriptural rules and muhurat, devotees ensure spiritual protection, positivity, and harmony.
The festival reminds humanity that:
Truth, devotion, and righteousness always prevail over evil.
Holi 2026 is not just a festival of colors but a spiritual cleansing ritual that strengthens faith, harmony, and positivity. Performing Holika Dahan Puja with proper Vedic guidance ensures peace, prosperity, and protection from negativity.
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