Holi 2026: Phalguna Purnima, Sutak and Partial Lunar Eclipse to Coincide on March 3

Preparations are underway across towns and villages as people gear up to celebrate Holi on the full moon day of Phalguna.

Markets have seen increased activity with residents shopping for festival items. People working outside their native places have started returning home. A festive atmosphere prevails ahead of the celebrations.

This year, Holi coincides with Phalguna Purnima, the Sutak period and a partial lunar eclipse.

Pundit astrologer Bhupesh Mishra of Budhanath Temple said the full moon will remain until 4:26 pm on Tuesday, March 3.

He said burning Holika 48 minutes before sunrise is considered auspicious. After sunrise, families will perform traditional rituals such as applying vermillion and offering paatri to their family deity. The festival of colours will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4.

According to the calendar, Dhurkhel will be played and the Samvat will be burnt on March 3. On March 4, people will celebrate Holi with colours and gulal.

As per mythological belief, Holika, the aunt of devotee Prahlad, sat in fire with him believing she would not burn due to a boon. However, she was burnt while Prahlad survived. Holi is celebrated to mark this event after Holika Dahan.

Lunar eclipse on March 3

Astrologers said that full moon rituals should be completed by 10 am on March 3 as a partial lunar eclipse will take place from 5:55 pm to 6:46 pm.

They said the beginning of the eclipse will not be visible in India due to daylight, but the eclipsed moon will be visible later. The eclipse will end at 6:48 pm.

The Sutak period will begin eight hours before the eclipse at 9:50 am.

New Year after Phalguna Purnima

Mishra said Holi also signals the arrival of the New Year in the traditional calendar. The first phase of Chaitra begins on the second day of Phalguna Purnima.

He said people symbolically sacrifice ego in the Holika fire and welcome the New Year with joy.