A rare coincidence is happening after 100 years this March. Chandra Grahan will occur on the day of Holi, a prominent festival in India. Holika Dahan is falling on the same day as this lunar eclipse, which has made many people confused about the Holika Dahan muhurat for puja and its date. But sit back while we clear the confusion and tell you when you can celebrate Holi.
What’s The Exact Holika Dahan Date In 2026?
Holi, known as the festival of colours, is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. Plus, it also marks the arrival of spring. People celebrate it by playing with gulaal and water and enjoying traditional foods and drinks like gujiyas, thandai, dahi bhalla, pakodas, puri aloo, gol gappe and more. Since Chandra Grahan is happening this Holi, many have been confused about its exact date.
Chandra Grahan is going to take place on March 3, 2026, and yes, Holika Dahan is falling on the same day this year. This is the reason why the Holika Dahan puja will not be performed on March 3. According to the traditional Panchang timings, Holika Dahan puja will be performed on March 2 this year from the evening until the following day. According to India TV, these are the correct tithi timings:
- Purnima Tithi begins: 5:55 pm on March 2, 2026
- Purnima Tithi ends: 5:07 pm on March 3, 2026
Also Read: When Is Chaitra Navratri 2026? Dates, Timing, Kalash Sthapana Muhurat & All You Need To Know
When Is Rang Wali Holi Or Dhulendi In 2026?
You should know that Holika Dahan is always observed on the evening of the full moon. It symbolises the burning away of negativity. Whereas Holi, where we play with gulaal, water, and food, is celebrated the next day. This year, Dhulendi or Rang Wali Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.
For people curious about the Bhadra Kaal, this year it will start at 5:58 pm on March 2 and will continue till 5:30 am on March 3, 2026. People should not perform Holika Dahan before Bhadra Kaal ends. We hope the timings of the puja and Rang Wali Holi are now clear to you.
Also Read: Holi 2026: Vrindavan’s Flower Holi Attracts 126% Rise In Travel Interest; Mathura Sees 109% Hike
How are you celebrating Holi this year? Are you all prepped or not? We surely are! It is definitely one of the most exciting festivals we have, full of fun and games!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Dibakar Roy