Holi 2026: Holika Dahan, Puja Shubh Muhurat Amid Bhadra Kaal & Chandra Grahan; Check Panchang Tithi, Timings

This year, Holika Dahan 2026 has become a subject of major confusion among devotees, as Purnima Tithi is falling on both March 2 and March 3. Adding to the complexity, the first Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse of 2026 will also occur on March 3. The presence of Bhadra, Pradosh Kaal and Sutak has made it essential to determine the correct date and auspicious time for Holika Dahan according to scriptures.

Holika Dahan 2026 on Phalguna Purnima: 2 or 3 March; When to Celebrate Holi Dahan? Check Date, Time, Panchang Shubh Muhurat, Tithi

According to the Hindu calendar, Phalguna Purnima will begin on March 2, 2026, at 5:56 pm and will end on March 3, 2026, at 5:08 pm. Holika Dahan is traditionally performed on Purnima Tithi during Pradosh Kaal, provided the period is free from Bhadra. Since Purnima spans both days, determining the correct day becomes important from a religious perspective.

Phalguna Purnima Tithi, Muhurat To Celebrate Holika Dahan 2026

As per the Hindu calendar, Phalguna Purnima spans two days:

• Purnima begins: March 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM
• Purnima ends: March 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM

Since Holika Dahan must be performed on Purnima during Bhadra-free Pradosh Kaal, devotees are unsure whether the ritual should be performed on March 2 or March 3.

Bhadra Kaal on Holika Dahan: Check Bhadra Mukha Timings on 2 or 3 March

Although Bhadra will present on March 2, religious texts clarify that Holika Dahan can be performed by avoiding Bhadra Mukha, which is the most inauspicious part of the Bhadra period.

Bhadra timings:

Bhadra begins: March 2 at 5:55 PM

Bhadra ends: March 3 at 5:28 AM

Bhadra Mukha begins: March 2 at 2:38 AM

Bhadra Mukha ends: March 3 at 5:32 AM

Since Bhadra Mukha falls late at night, Holika Dahan can safely be performed during evening Pradosh Kaal.

Blood Moon, First Lunar Eclipse of 2026: March Chandra Grahan Timings in India

The situation becomes more complex on March 3 due to the occurrence of the year's first lunar eclipse. The Chandra Grahan will begin at 3:20 pm and will be visible in India between 6:26 pm and 6:46 pm, lasting for around 20 minutes. During the eclipse, the Moon is expected to appear reddish, a phenomenon popularly known as the Blood Moon.

Since the lunar eclipse will be visible in India, Sutak Kaal will be observed. For the general public, Sutak will begin at 9:39 am on March 3 and will end at 6:46 pm with the conclusion of the eclipse. For children, elderly people, and pregnant women, Sutak will start later in the day at 3:28 pm. Religious activities are generally avoided during this period.

Chandra Grahan March 2026 Timings:

Lunar Eclipse begins: 3:20 PM IST

Blood Moon Visiblility in India: 6:26 PM to 6:46 PM IST

Total visible duration: Around 20 minutes

Sutak Kaal on Chandra Grahan on 3 March, 2026

Since the lunar eclipse will be visible in India, Sutak Kaal will be observed. For the general public, Sutak will begin at 9:39 am on March 3 and will end at 6:46 pm with the conclusion of the eclipse. For children, elderly people, and pregnant women, Sutak will start later in the day at 3:28 pm. Religious activities are generally avoided during this period.

Holi 2026 Date, Time: Holika Dahan Shubh Muhurat

Based on these calculations, the auspicious muhurat for Holika Dahan in 2026 falls on March 2 between 6:22 pm and 8:53 pm. Performing Holika Dahan during this time is considered both auspicious and in line with scriptural guidelines.

Dhulandi, Rangwali Holi on March 4, 2026

Rangwali Holi, also known as Dhulandi, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. On this day, people across India will come together to play with colours, apply gulal and exchange greetings, symbolising the victory of good over evil.