Major Festival · Select a year for the Gregorian date
Holi: Date, Holika Dahan Muhurat and Festival of Colors Guide
Holika Dahan falls on Phalguna Purnima eve; Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi) is played the next morning. Select a year for exact dates.
होली · · Krishna Pratipada
- Muhurat (2026)
- Holika Dahan: 06:05 PM to 08:35 PM on 2026-03-02
- Hindu month
- Phalguna
- Regions
- Pan-India, North India
- Deity
- Lord Vishnu (Narasimha / Prahlada legend), Lord Krishna (Braj Holi)
Holi is the Hindu festival of colours that closes winter and welcomes Vasant (spring). It is anchored to Phalguna Purnima. The night before colour play, communities light Holika Dahan — a bonfire recalling the legend of Prahlada and Holika, and the victory of devotion over arrogance. North India, Nepal (as Holi Purnima / Fagu Purnima) and the diaspora treat these as major civic celebrations. Traditional foods include gujiya, thandai, malpua and puran poli in some regions. Play with natural gulal where possible, keep the bonfire at a safe community site, and confirm Purnima timings if you observe a fast until the dahan. Use the year selector for Holika Dahan and Dhulandi dates.
When is Holi?
Rangwali Holi (the day of colours) is Tuesday, 3 March, 2026. Holika Dahan is the previous evening, when Phalguna Purnima tithi prevails after sunset in India. Braj (Mathura–Vrindavan) extends celebrations for days (Lathmar Holi, Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan, etc.), but the pan-India civil holiday is usually the Dhulandi date. Use the year selector to see any other calendar. Because Purnima can span two civil days, some states publish the holiday on the colour-Holi date while temples light the pyre the previous evening. Follow the Purnima Bhadra-avoidance rules used by your family priest: Holika Dahan is done after Bhadra Kaal ends, during Purnima.
- Holika Dahan: evening before Tuesday, 3 March, 2026.
- Dhulandi / colour Holi: Tuesday, 3 March, 2026.
- Tithi: Phalguna Purnima.
Holika Dahan muhurat
The indicative Holika Dahan window for 2026 is Holika Dahan: 06:05 PM to 08:35 PM on 2026-03-02. Do not light the pyre during Bhadra if your Panchang still shows Bhadra at sunset; wait until Bhadra ends. Keep water, a clear perimeter, and avoid plastics or toxic fuel. After the fire is established, families circumambulate, offer grains or coconut according to custom, and take a little ash the next morning for tilak in some traditions.
| Observance | Typical day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holika Dahan | 2 March, evening | After sunset; avoid Bhadra |
| Rangwali Holi / Dhulandi | 3 March | Colours, visits, festive food |
| Braj / Mathura extensions | Late February–March | Local temple calendars |
Significance: Prahlada, Holika and spring
The Puranic story tells of Prahlada’s unshaken devotion to Vishnu and Holika’s failed attempt to burn him. The bonfire is a public reminder that arrogance and adharma do not last. Krishna-Radha traditions in Braj add the playful throwing of colours that later spread across North India. Agriculturally, Holi sits at the cusp of the rabi harvest and the hot season; sharing colour and food resets social ties after winter. Spiritually, many observers treat the fire as a moment to burn grudges. The next day’s play is meant to be consent-based: ask before applying colour, protect eyes and skin, and do not force anyone — especially elders, infants and people who have opted out.
Rituals, food and practical tips
Prepare organic gulal, keep a change of old clothes, and agree house rules (indoor vs outdoor colour). Thandai may contain bhang in some adult gatherings; label it clearly and keep it away from children. Gujiya, dahi-bhalle and namkeen are common in the Hindi belt; coastal and South Indian homes may mark the day more quietly or on nearby temple festivals. If you live in an apartment, join a registered community Holika rather than lighting a balcony fire. Clean colour from walls and vehicles the same day. Fasting until dahan is a family custom, not a universal rule.
Key sacred rituals
- Holika Dahan bonfire ritual on the eve of Holi
- Playing with organic colors (Gulal) and water
- Preparing festive delicacies like Gujiya, Thandai, and Malpua
- Forgiving past grievances and embracing friends and family
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi?
Colour Holi (Dhulandi) is on Tuesday, 3 March. Holika Dahan is on Monday, 2 March in the evening.
What time is Holika Dahan?
The indicative muhurat is 06:22 PM to 08:48 PM IST on 2 March, after Bhadra ends. Confirm Bhadra end time in your city Panchang.
Is Holi a public holiday?
Holi is a gazetted public holiday in India. Most states close offices on the Dhulandi date, 3 March.
Why are Holika Dahan and Holi on two different days?
The bonfire is tied to Phalguna Purnima evening. The playful colour festival is observed the following morning, historically after the fire has burned down.
What tithi is Holi?
Holi is aligned with Phalguna Purnima. Dahan uses the Purnima evening; colour play is the next civil morning.
Muhurat times are indicative for IST and may vary by city sunrise and tithi. Confirm with Today's Panchang.