Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is scheduled to be celebrated on March 4, 2026. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival is observed over two days: Holika Dahan on the full moon night (Falgun Purnima) and Rangwali Holi on the following day (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada). In 2026, the timing of the Purnima tithi and the occurrence of a lunar eclipse have led to detailed calculations by Vedic scholars to determine the exact schedule for the rituals. The transition from the lunar month of Falgun to Chaitra marks the beginning of this spring festival.
Falgun Purnima Tithi and Astronomical Calculations
As per the Panchang, the Falgun Purnima tithi for the year 2026 will commence at 5:56 PM on March 2. This tithi will continue until 5:07 PM on March 3. In the Hindu tradition, the 'Udaya Tithi' (the tithi prevailing at sunrise) is often used to determine the day of the festival. Consequently, March 3 is recognized as the primary day of Purnima. However, the ritual of Holika Dahan requires the presence of the Purnima tithi during the Pradosh Kaal (evening hours) and must ideally be performed when the 'Bhadra' period isn't active.
Impact of the Lunar Eclipse on Rituals
A significant astronomical event, the first lunar eclipse of 2026, will occur on March 3. The eclipse is expected to coincide with the latter half of the Purnima tithi, starting in the afternoon and concluding by the evening. According to religious customs, the 'Sutak' period preceding an eclipse and the duration of the eclipse itself are considered inauspicious for performing major religious rituals. This has led to discussions among astrologers regarding the timing of Holika Dahan, as the purification rituals following the eclipse must be completed before the bonfire can be lit.
Astrological Perspectives on Holika Dahan Timings
The determination of the Holika Dahan muhurat is further complicated by the Bhadra Kaal. On March 2, the Bhadra Mukha is scheduled to begin at 2:38 AM and last until 4:34 AM. Since performing Holika Dahan during Bhadra is traditionally avoided, scholars suggest that the ritual should be performed either late on the night of March 2 after the Bhadra period ends or on the evening of March 3 after the lunar eclipse has concluded and the necessary purification rites are performed. The consensus remains focused on adhering to the most auspicious window available.
Determination of Rangwali Holi on March 4
The festival of colors, also known as Dhulandi, is celebrated on the Pratipada tithi of the Chaitra month. In 2026, this tithi falls on March 4. Since the celebration of colors always follows the night of Holika Dahan, March 4 has been officially designated as the day for Rangwali Holi. The sunrise on March 4 will mark the beginning of the Chaitra month's first day, making it the appropriate time for the public festivities. Most government and private institutions are expected to observe the holiday on this date across the country.
Cultural Traditions and the Significance of the Festival
Holi remains a symbol of the victory of devotion and righteousness over ego and evil, as depicted in the legend of Prahlad and Holika. The lighting of the bonfire signifies the destruction of negative energies and the welcoming of a prosperous spring season. The following day's celebrations involve the smearing of colors and the sharing of traditional sweets like Gujiya. Despite the astronomical complexities of 2026, the essence of the festival—unity and joy—remains unchanged. Preparations are already underway in various regions to observe the rituals in accordance with local customs and Vedic guidelines.