One of the biggest Hindu festivals, Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This year, there is some confusion regarding the date, with people wondering if it is on March 3 or March 4. The confusion stems from the fact that the celebrations start at night, with Holika Dahan or the sacred bonfire. The next day, people smear colours on each other, and feast on delicacies like gujiya and thandai.
Holi 2026 Date
The festival of colours will be celebrated on March 4 this year, as per Drik Panchang. Holika Dahan is on March 3.
Holi 2026 Timings
As per Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi will start on the evening of March 2 and end at 5:07 pm on March 3. Here are the detailed timings:
- Bhadra Punchha - 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM
- Bhadra Mukha - 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM
Holika Dahan during Pradosh without Udaya Vyapini Purnima
- Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on March 2, 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on March 3, 2026
The Drik Panchang emphasises on choosing the right muhurat for Holika Dahan.
What Is The Significance Of Holi?
The festival is associated with two themes — the divine love between Radha and Lord Krishna and the legend of Prahlad. It also marks the symbolic end of winter and the start of spring. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna is believed to have felt insecure about Radha, who was fair-skinned, wondering if she would accept his dark complexion.
When he expressed this concern to his mother, Yashodha, she told him to apply colour to Radha's face to remove the complexion differences between them. Krishna followed her advice, which is said to have inspired the ritual of playing with colours during Holi.
According to another legend, Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is related to the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The king wanted to kill his son Prahlad, who is said to have been a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Holika, Prahlad's evil aunt, deceived Prahlad into sitting on a blazing pyre with her. However, while Holika was burnt by the fire, Prahlad remained unharmed due to his devotion. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in his incarnation as Lord Narasimha to protect Prahlad and kill Hiranyakashipu.
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