Holi 2026 Date and Time: Check Holika Dahan Muhurat and Rangwali Holi Details

Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, will be celebrated in 2026 on March 3 and March 4 across India. The festival is observed over two days in most parts of the country. The first day marks Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi or Jalawali Holi. The second day is Rangwali Holi, also known as Dhulandi, when people play with dry gulaal and watercolours.

Holi 2026: Date and Muhurat Timings

Holi is celebrated on the Purnima of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls between late February and mid March in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday, March 3. Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4.

Important timings:

March 2, 2026, Monday: Purnima Tithi Begins at 05:55 PM

March 3, 2026, Tuesday: Purnima Tithi Ends at 05:07 PM

March 3, 2026, Tuesday: Holika Dahan

March 4, 2026, Wednesday: Holi

Holika Dahan should be performed after sunset during Pradosh when the full moon prevails. It should not be conducted during Bhadra Mujha timings from 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM this year.

Mythological Significance

The festival traces its roots to a Hindu legend involving Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad. According to the legend, Hiranyakashyap attempted to kill Prahlad for his devotion. With the help of his sister Holika, he tried to burn Prahlad alive. Prahlad survived the fire due to his devotion, while Holika was burnt. The ritual of Holika Dahan symbolises the victory of devotion and righteousness over evil.

Rangwali Holi celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It also marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter in India.