Holi 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Date, Time, Rituals and Significance

Date and Time for Holi 2026: Holi, also called the "Festival of Colors," is one of the most exciting Hindu holidays after Diwali. People celebrate it with a lot of energy and happiness.

Holi is celebrated for two days in most parts of India: Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi.

People who celebrate Holi worship Holika and burn her effigy on the first day, which is called Holika Dahan, Jalawali Holi, or Chhoti Holi.

The second day of Holi, called Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is when people celebrate dry gulaal and watercolors. It is the most important day of Holi.

The Mythological Meaning of Holi 2026

Holi has its roots in a Hindu mythological story in which Hiranyakashyap tried to kill his son Prahlad and his sister Holika tried to burn him alive.

However, Prahlad lived through the flames, while his sister Holika died in them. This was based on the festival's spiritual roots and took place a day before the Rangwali Holi.

Lighting a bonfire called "Holika Dahan" is a sign of the victory of devotion and justice over evil.

Rangwali Holi is mostly about the eternal and divine love between the gods Radha and Krishna. It also marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in India.

Holi 2026: Date and Muhurat Times

The Hindu month of Phalguna, which is between late February and mid-March on the English or Gregorian calendar, starts the celebration of Holi on the evening of the Purnima (full moon day).

In 2026, Holika Dahan will be on Tuesday, March 3, and Rangwali Holi will be on Wednesday, March 4.

During Pradosh, when the full moon is out, Holika Dahan should happen after sunset. This year, it shouldn't happen between 02:35 AM and 04:30 AM during Bhadra Mujha.