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Holika Dahan 2026: There is a lot of confusion among the people regarding the festival of Holi in the year 2026. The reason is that the date of Phalgun Purnima falls within two days, the effect of Bhadra period and the first lunar eclipse of the year. In such a situation, the biggest question is that when should Holika Dahan be done? Let us understand in simple language the exact date, auspicious time and religious significance on the basis of Panchang.

When is Holika Dahan 2026?

According to Panchang calculations, the date of Phalgun Purnima will start at around 5:56 pm on March 2 and will end at around 5:08 pm on March 3. There is a rule in the scriptures that Holika Dahan is done on the full moon day of Pradosh period.

Pradosh Kaal will be present on the evening of 2nd March, hence burning Holika on this day is considered as per the scriptures. Although there will be influence of Bhadra at that time, there will be no Bhadra face. Therefore, burning on March 2 will be blame free.

According to some astrologers, it will be auspicious to perform Dahan late night during the Brahma Muhurta period of March 3 (approximately 12:50 AM to 2:02 AM), because there will be no effect of Bhadra and eclipse at this time.

Why did Bhadra and eclipse increase confusion?

In Hindu tradition, it is advised to postpone Bhadra Kaal for auspicious works. It is believed that auspicious work done in Bhadra does not give the expected results. This time there is an influence of Bhadra on the evening of March 2, due to which doubt has increased among the people. The first lunar eclipse of the year is taking place on March 3. There is a tradition of avoiding auspicious and festive activities on the day of eclipse. This is the reason why there is confusion regarding the timing of Holika Dahan.

When will Holi with colors be played?

According to religious belief, Dulhandi or Holi of colors is celebrated on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada. Since there is an eclipse on March 3, Holi of colors will be celebrated on March 4, 2026. In this way, it would be appropriate to celebrate Holika Dahan on 2nd March and Rangotsav on 4th March.

Religious importance of Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil. According to legend, Hiranyakashipu made several attempts to stop his son Prahlad from worshiping Lord Vishnu. At last he asked his sister Holika to sit in the fire with Prahlad in her lap, because she had the boon that fire could not burn him. But by the grace of God, Prahlad was saved safely and Holika was destroyed in the fire. Since then this festival is celebrated as the victory of truth and devotion.

What to do during Holika Dahan?

• Some religious activities are considered especially fruitful during Holika Dahan.
• Offer dry wood, cow dung cakes and ears of wheat.
• Circumambulate around Holika for the happiness and peace of the family.
• Offering new crop or grain to the fire is considered auspicious.
• Coconut is offered to remove negative energy.
• These measures bring positivity in the house and increase happiness and prosperity in life.