Holika Dahan 2026 Puja Timing: Shubh Muhurat Amid Bhadra Kaal, Chandra Grahan; Check Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

There is a lot of confusion this year about Holika Dahan 2026, as the full moon (Phalguna Purnima) falls on both March 2 and March 3. Adding to the confusion, the first lunar eclipse of 2026 will also take place on March 3. Because of the presence of Bhadra Kaal, Pradosh Kaal and Sutak, many people are unsure about the correct date and right time to perform Holika Dahan according to religious rules.

Holika Dahan 2026 on Phalguna Purnima: March 2 or March 3? Check Correct Date, Time and Puja Shubh Muhurat

According to the Hindu Panchang, Phalguna Purnima Tithi begins on March 2, 2026 at 5:56 pm and concludes on March 3, 2026 at 5:08 pm. Traditionally, Holika Dahan is performed on Purnima Tithi during Pradosh Kaal, provided the time is free from inauspicious Bhadra. Since the full moon spans two calendar days, devotees are seeking clarity on the appropriate day for the ritual.

Holika Dahan 2026 Puja Shubh Muhurat: When To Perform Holika Dahan, Puja?

Based on Panchang calculations, Bhadra avoidance rules and Sutak considerations, the most auspicious time for Holika Dahan in 2026 falls on March 2, 2026 from 6:22 PM to 8:53 PM

Performing Holika Dahan within this window aligns with scriptural guidelines and avoids all inauspicious periods.

Phalguna Purnima Tithi and Holika Dahan Muhurat 2026

As per Panchang calculations:

Purnima Tithi starts: March 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM

Purnima Tithi ends: March 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM

Given that Holika Dahan must be observed during Bhadra-free Pradosh Kaal, uncertainty arises regarding whether the ceremony should be conducted on March 2 or postponed to March 3.

Bhadra Kaal on Holika Dahan: Important Timings to Note

Bhadra will be in effect on March 2, but religious texts clarify that Holika Dahan is permissible if Bhadra Mukha, the most inauspicious phase, is avoided.

Bhadra timings are as follows:

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 occurs late at night, performing Holika Dahan during evening Pradosh Kaal on March 2 remains permissible and auspicious.

Blood Moon 2026: First Lunar Eclipse on March 3; Know Its Impact on Holi

Adding to the complexity, the first lunar eclipse of 2026 will take place on March 3. The eclipse will be visible in India, during which the Moon is expected to take on a reddish hue, commonly referred to as a Blood Moon.

Chandra Grahan timings:

Lunar eclipse begins: 3:20 PM IST

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

Total visible duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Sutak Kaal on Chandra Grahan: Restrictions on March 3

Since the lunar eclipse will be visible in India, Sutak Kaal will be observed. During Sutak, religious activities are generally avoided.

Sutak for the general public: From 9:39 AM to 6:46 PM on March 3

Sutak for children, elderly and pregnant women: From 3:28 PM onwards

The presence of Sutak during the evening hours on March 3 makes it unsuitable for performing Holika Dahan on that day.

Dhulandi / Rangwali Holi 2026 Date

Rangwali Holi, also known as Dhulandi, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. On this day, people across the country will celebrate with colours, gulal and festive gatherings, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.