Holi 2026: What is the Correct Date of Holi 2026 March 3 or March 4? Is Chandra Grahan on Holi; Check Correct Date, Panchang Time, History, Significance, ,Puja Rituals, Shubh Hahurat & More

Holi 2026: Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Marking the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, Holi is celebrated with joy, colours, and sweets. Each year, its date varies according to the lunar calendar, leading to questions about whether it falls on March 2 or March 4 in 2026.

Holi 2026: What is the correct date: March 3 or March 4?

In 2026, Holika Dahan (the bonfire ritual) is observed on March 2, while Rangwali Holi (the festival of colours) is celebrated on March 4. The distinction comes from tithi calculations in the Hindu lunar calendar, where Holika Dahan is performed on the full moon tithi’s evening and Rangwali Holi the following day.

Holi 2026: Correct Date

• Holika Dahan: March 2 and early March 3, 2026
• Rangwali Holi: March 4, 2026
• Time as per Panchang

Holi 2026: Panchang Time

• The Purnima Tithi starts at March 2, 5:55 PM and ends at March 3, 5:07 PM
• Holika Dahan Muhurat occurs between 6:22 PM and 8:50 PM during Pradosh Kaal, which requires Bhadra avoidance
• Rangwali Holi celebrations will last throughout the entire day on March 4

Holi 2026: History

• Holi originates from two primary legends
• The battle between Holika and Prahlad shows how good triumphs over evil
• Braj residents celebrate Holi through Krishna and Radha's playful colour display, which represents their divine love and joyful relationship

Holi 2026: Significance

Holi celebrations mark winter's end and spring's arrival, while they create social unity among people. People use colors to cover themselves while they distribute gujiya sweets and festive thandai to create social connections with others.

Holi 2026: Is Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) on Holi?

A total lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will take place on March 3, 2026, which coincides with Holika Dahan. People observe sutak kaal according to astrological beliefs as an inauspicious time before they conduct rituals. Yet the celebrations proceed according to their scheduled times while people take necessary safety measures.

Holi 2026: Puja Rituals

The evening of March 2 marks Holika Dahan, when people light the bonfire, and they present grains, coconuts, and their prayers to the fire. The people of Rangwali Holi celebrate on March 4 when they engage in colorful festivities, musical performances, and family visits. The results of puja will be most effective when it is performed during Pradosh Kaal because the Bhadra periods must be avoided.

Holi 2026: Shubh Muhurat

• Holika Dahan will start at 6:22 PM and continue till 8:50 PM on March 2
• Rangwali Holi will be celebrated throughout the day on March 4

Holi 2026 is celebrated in two stages: Holika Dahan on March 2 and Rangwali Holi on March 4.