Holi 2026 Correct Date: 3 or 4 March; When is Holi? Check Tithi, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Timings As Per Panchang

Holi, the festival of colours, is one of India's most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. Marking the arrival of spring and symbolising the victory of good over evil, Holi brings people together through colours, sweets, music and shared joy. With Holi 2026 approaching, many devotees and revellers have been searching for clarity on whether the festival will be observed on March 3 or March 4.

Hindu Panchang calculations now clearly outline the correct dates, timings and muhurats for Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi.

Holi 2026 Correct Date: 3 or 4 March; When is Holi? Check Tithi, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Timings As Per Panchang and Hindu Calendar

According to Hindu Panchang and astrological calculations, Holi in 2026 will be celebrated over two days. As per Drik Panchang, the festival is determined by the Phalguna Purnima Tithi and the presence of Bhadra Kaal, which plays a crucial role in deciding the auspicious timing of Holika Dahan.

Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Rangwali Holi (the festival of colours) will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Purnima Tithi Timings for Holi 2026

The Phalguna Purnima governs the Holi calendar in 2026. Devotees rely on these timings to plan puja rituals and bonfire ceremonies accurately.

Holi 2026 Purnima Tithi Begins: 02 March 2026 at 05:55 PM

Holi 2026 Purnima Tithi Ends: 03 March 2026 at 05:07 PM

Since the Purnima Tithi ends before sunset on March 3, Holika Dahan is performed on the same day during the Pradosh Kaal, making March 3 the correct date for the ritual.

Holika Dahan 2026 Date, Timings, Puja Shubh Muhurat

Holika Dahan, which symbolises the burning of evil and negativity, will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Holika Dahan Muhurat: 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM with a duration of 2 Hours 28 Minutes

Astrologically, Holika Dahan is performed during Pradosh Kaal while avoiding Bhadra Kaal, as rituals during Bhadra are considered inauspicious.

Holika Dahan Bhadra Kaal Muhurat or timings on March 3, 2026:

• Bhadra Punchha: 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM
• Bhadra Mukha: 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM

Since Bhadra ends well before sunset, Holika Dahan during the evening Pradosh Kaal is considered auspicious.

Rangwali Holi 2026

The main festival of colours, popularly known as Rangwali Holi, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with daytime festivities across India. People will apply gulal, enjoy sweets like gujiya, drink thandai, and participate in community celebrations filled with music and dance.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Holi

Holi holds immense religious and cultural importance for Hindus. The festival commemorates the legendary tale of Prahlad and Holika, symbolising the triumph of devotion and righteousness over arrogance and cruelty. Prahlad's unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu saved him from the fire, while Holika perished, reinforcing the belief that good ultimately prevails over evil.

Holi is also deeply associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. In regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations are especially elaborate, inspired by the playful legend where Krishna applied colours to Radha, setting the tradition of colour play that defines Holi today.

Beyond mythology, Holi marks the end of winter and the onset of spring, encouraging social harmony as people come together, forget differences, and celebrate unity through colours.