Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations and marks the triumph of good over evil. This is the time when people come together to apply gulal, share sweets, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness. This year, there is major confusion among people regarding the date of the festival, with many wondering whether it is on Mar. 3 or Mar. 4? This is mainly because the celebrations begin at night, with Holika Dahan or the sacred bonfire.
Holi 2026: Date And Time
This year, Holi will not be marked uniformly across the country, since the Total Lunar Eclipse alters the religious calendar. Astronomical assessments highlight that the eclipse falls on Phalguna Purnima, the full-moon night traditionally associated with the festival of colours.
Since the lunar event on Mar. 3 will see the Sutak period, during this time, religious rites are majorly avoided.
In New Delhi, Holika Dahan will be on Mar. 3, followed by Holi on Mar. 4.
According to Drik Panchang, Purnima Tithi begins at 05:55 p.m. on Mar. 2, 2026, and ends at 05:07 p.m. on Mar 3, 2026.
Holi will be celebrated in Rajasthan on Mar. 4, except for Jaisalmer (Mar. 3).
Similarly, in Maharashtra, Holi will be on Mar. 3, except for Nagpur, where it will be celebrated on Mar. 4. In Gujarat, Holika Dahan is on Mar. 2, followed by Holi on Mar. 3.
Besides these regions, Holi will be marked on Mar. 4 in Karnataka (except Mangalore), Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha.
Also Read: Is Holi 2026 On March 3 Or 4? Check Correct Date, Timings And Significance
Holi 2026: Significance And Rituals
Holi transcends boundaries of caste, creed and class, and unites people across the country. During Holi, people put colours on each other and meet with their family and friends. Also, they enjoy various sweets like 'gujiya', 'mathri', 'malpuas', 'bhang', and 'thandai'.
The festival is deeply rooted in the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha, as well as the legend of Prahlad, besides marking the symbolic end of the winter season and the start of spring.
In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna felt insecure about Radha, who was fair-skinned, and wondered whether she would accept his dark complexion.
He then shared this with his mother, Yashodha, who told him to apply colour to Radha's face to remove complexion differences. As Lord Krishna followed her advice, this inspired the ritual of playing Holi with colours.
Another legend states that this auspicious festival marks the victory of good over evil in relation to the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who wanted to kill his son Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.
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Once, Prahlad's evil aunt, Holika, deceived him into sitting on a blazing pyre with her. While Holika was burnt by the fire, Prahlad came out unharmed due to his devotion. Also, it is said that Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Narasimha to protect Prahlad and killed Hiranyakashipu.
During Holika Dahan, bonfires are lit after sunset at the right muhurat. During this time, people gather to offer prayers and perform various rituals around the sacred fire.
The next day, people celebrate Holi by applying colours and exchanging sweets.
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