When is Holi 2026? March 3 or 4 confusion resolved

Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated in 2026 with Holika Dahan taking place around midnight between March 2 and March 3, while the main colour festival, known as Rangwali Holi, will be observed on March 4.

The festival of Holi is traditionally linked to the victory of good over evil, symbolised by the legend of devotee Prahlad and the burning of Holika, who was believed to have a boon protecting her from fire. The celebration marks the arrival of spring and is associated with joy, renewal, and social harmony.

Holi 2026 date and confusion resolved

There had been debate about whether Holi would fall on March 3 or March 4. Almanac calculations, lunar positioning, and the influence of Adhik Maas this year contributed to the uncertainty. However, classical calendar calculations indicate that the primary colour celebration will take place on March 4.

A lunar eclipse is expected on the evening of March 3, and according to traditional belief, the Sutak period begins several hours before an eclipse, during which auspicious activities are avoided. This is one reason why Holi celebrations are considered more appropriate on March 4.

Holika Dahan timing

The Falgun Shukla Purnima begins at 5:32 pm on March 2 and continues until 4:46 pm on March 3. Bhadra period also starts with the full moon phase.

Traditional religious practice discourages Holika Dahan during the main Bhadra period. The most auspicious window for the ritual is considered to be between 12:50 am and 2:02 am around the transition period of March 2–3.

Holashtak period

Holashtak begins on February 24, 2026, and continues until March 3, 2026. According to astrological tradition, this eight-day period is considered inauspicious for major life events such as marriage, house construction, or starting new ventures.

Festival significance

Holi is celebrated as a symbol of spiritual victory, social bonding, and seasonal transition. The festival is associated with stories of Prahlad’s devotion and the destruction of Holika, representing the triumph of good over evil.

On March 4, the main Holi celebration will take place during the conjunction of Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni constellations, along with Dhriti Yoga, which is considered auspicious in traditional astrology.

Despite earlier confusion regarding dates, religious calendar calculations and traditional customs indicate that Holika Dahan will be observed around midnight on March 2, while the colourful Holi festival will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, across most regions.