Holi is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in India. People celebrate the auspicious occasion with traditional rituals, exchange of sweets and by smearing each other with colours. However, this time, an astronomical event has influenced how and when Holi will be observed.
In 2026, the festival is being celebrated on different days - March 3 and March 4 - across various states, since a total lunar eclipse will impact the religious calendar.
According to Drik Panchang, the eclipse falls on Phalguna Purnima, which is the full-moon night traditionally associated with Holi. The lunar event will usher in the 'sutak' period. During this time, religious rituals and activities are usually avoided.
Holika Dahan is done after sunset within 'pradosh kaal' - only when there is no 'bhadra' or 'sutak' in effect. Keeping this in mind, authorities in multiple regions have decided to shift the festival date.
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The total lunar eclipse begins at 3:20 p.m. and ends at 6:48 p.m., as per the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The totality of the eclipse starts at 4:34 p.m. and ends at 5:33 p.m.
In India, most of the cities will be able to observe the ending of the total lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise, except for some places in the North-East, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sutal Kaal On March 3
In accordance with Hindu tradition, Sutak Kaal will begin nine hours before the beginning of the total lunar eclipse. This means that the 'Sutak' period commences at 6:20 a.m. on March 3 and will continue to be in effect till 6:48 p.m.
During this time, all the religious activities are put on hold, while devotees avoid visiting temples and performing specific puja rituals.
While traditional panchangs have listed March 3 as the date for Holika Dahan, several states are marking the occasion on March 2.
Rishikesh Panchang mentions that the Purnima Tithi ends at 5:07 p.m. on March 3, while the ideal Holika Dahan Muhurat is between 6.22 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. on that day. This means the auspicious time for the Holi Dahan this time would be immediately after the eclipse ends at 6:48 p.m.
However, several states have decided to perform the ritual in advance on March 2 to avoid the 'Sutak' period entirely.
In Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, Maharashtra (except Nagpur), Gujarat, Karnataka's Mangalore and a few other cities, Holi Dahan is on March 2. On the other hand, other major cities, including New Delhi, are marking the occasion on March 3.
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