In 2026, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3. There is confusion because the full moon (Purnima) begins on the evening of March 2 and continues into March 3. However, the correct day to perform the holikal dahan is March 3, when the full moon continues and the evening time is correct.
Purnima Timing (Full Moon): March 2 & March 3
The full moon phase, called Phaguna Purnima:
- Purnima starts: March 2, 2026 at 5.23 PM (IST)
- Purnima ends: March 3, 2026 at 6:03 PM (IST)
It means the full moon is active both nights, but the correct time for Holika Dahan comes on March 3, 2026.
Best Time to Do Holika Dahan (Muhurat)
For Holika Dahan on March 3, 2026, the most auspicious time to light the bonfire is:
- 6.22 PM to 08:50 PM (IST).
This period is the best time for the ritual.
Times to Avoid (Bhadra & Sutak)
There are some inauspicious times when rituals must not be done on March 3, 2026:
Bhadra Kaal:
- Early morning hours: 01:25 AM to 04:30 AM.
- Religious activities must be avoided at these times.
Sutak Kaal:
Because a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) occurs on March 3, a sutak period starts before the eclipse. During Sutak, people avoid starting religious rites, adding holika dahan.
So, Holika Dahan is best done in the evening muhurat and not during Bhadra or sutak times.
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Lunar Eclipse on Holi 2026
A total lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will occur on March 3, 2026, the same day as Holika Dahan. In addition, it will be visible in parts of India. Due to the eclipse, some rituals are avoided during the Sutak period before and during the eclipse.
Holi (Rangwali Holi) Date
The primary festival of colors, rangwali Holi, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This is the day when people throw colors, play with water, and celebrate with friends and family.