Holi 2026 Date: March 4 (Wednesday) & Holika Dahan Muhurat
Definition (snippet-ready): Holi 2026 (Dhulandi) falls on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, with Holika Dahan on 3 March (Muhurat: 6:28 PM – 8:58 PM IST). This festival of colors marks the full moon of Phalguna, celebrating the victory of devotion over ego and the arrival of spring sunshine. Last updated: 13 January 2026 (dates verified against Drikpanchang)
Holi 2026 Dates: Holika Dahan is on Tuesday, March 3, and Rangwali Holi (Color Play) is on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Holi 2026 arrives with Jupiter in Taurus, Saturn stabilizing Aquarius, and Rahu in Pisces. That means this year’s festival of colors emphasizes emotional healing and community rebuilding. Use the timings and rituals below to align your celebration with auspicious planetary support.
When is Holi in 2026? (Date & Day)
| Event | Date | Muhurat Window (IST) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holashtak Begins | 22 February 2026 (Sun) | Sunrise onwards | 8-day period for cleansing; avoid new ventures. |
| Holika Dahan | 3 March 2026 (Tue) | 6:28 PM – 8:58 PM | Bonfire ritual symbolizing burning of negativity. |
| Rangwali Holi | 4 March 2026 (Wed) | All Day | Playing with colors, community fun. |
Why is Holika Dahan on March 3?
Holika Dahan rituals must be performed during the Pradosh Kaal (after sunset) while Purnima Tithi is prevailing and Bhadra is absent.
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 3 March 2026 at 04:47 PM IST
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 4 March 2026 at 07:12 PM IST
- Bhadra Punchha: 3 March 08:31 PM – 09:44 PM
- Bhadra Mukha: 3 March 09:44 PM – 11:47 PM
Therefore, the best window is before Bhadra intensifies: 6:28 PM to 8:58 PM.
How to Celebrate Spiritually (Astrological Tips)
Planetary Significance in 2026
- Jupiter in Taurus: Encourages earthy rituals—use grains, turmeric, and fragrant oils to honor prosperity.
- Saturn in Aquarius: Highlights community seva; donate food or eco-friendly colors to under-resourced neighborhoods.
- Rahu in Pisces: Cleanses emotional baggage. Meditate or chant Vishnu Sahasranama before stepping outside for color play.
Color Guide by Zodiac Sign
| Zodiac Element | Recommended Colors | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fire (Aries, Leo, Sag) | Pink, gold, saffron | Channels enthusiasm without overheating Mars energy. |
| Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Cap) | Green, yellow, mint | Grounds the nervous system and invites abundance. |
| Air (Gemini, Libra, Aqua) | Sky blue, turquoise, lilac | Supports communication clarity amid festive chaos. |
| Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) | White, silver, aqua | Keeps emotions calm while Rahu triggers deep releases. |
Ritual Checklist for Holika Dahan
- Set Intentions: Write down habits or fears you want to release; burn them symbolically in the sacred fire.
- Offerings: Use cow dung cakes, neem leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut. Sprinkle turmeric-mixed water for Jupiter’s blessings.
- Parikrama: Circle the fire three or seven times, carrying roasted grams or sugar as prasadam.
- Protection: Apply a tilak of sandalwood + kumkum after the ritual to seal positive energy.
Do’s and Don’ts for Holi 2026
- Do recharge crystals or gemstones under the full Moon of Holi night.
- Do donate clothes, sweets, or herbal colors the morning after Holika Dahan to pacify Saturn.
- Don’t cut trees for the pyre; use sustainable materials only.
- Don’t mix intoxicants with celebrations if you’re running a sensitive Moon or Mercury dasha—choose sattvic beverages (Thandai) instead.
Puja & Chant Suggestions
- Mantras: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” during Holika Dahan, “Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Namaha” before playing colors.
- Sankalpa Sample: “I release fear and welcome joyous connections aligned with Jupiter’s wisdom.”
- Seva Ideas: Sponsor organic gulal for local schools, plant trees, or volunteer at water stations for public gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t observe the exact Holika Dahan muhurat?
Aim for the Prahar around sunset; if schedules conflict, perform a short home ritual within the 6:28 PM–8:58 PM window or as close as possible.
Is Holashtak really inauspicious for new beginnings?
Traditionally yes—use it for cleansing, charity, and planning. Launches or weddings are better after Holika Dahan.
Which colors are safest for sensitive skin?
Herbal gulal with turmeric, beetroot, or sandalwood bases. Avoid synthetic dyes, especially during Mars retrograde periods when irritations flare.
🎯 Call to Action
- ✅ Book a Festival Muhurat Consultation to personalize Holi and other 2026 dates for your family or brand.
- ✅ Download the Festival Muhurat Calendar 2027 to plan next year’s rituals early.
- ✅ Subscribe to Weekly Horoscope Forecast for transit alerts leading up to Holi.
Related Articles
Festival Planning
- Festival Muhurat Hub 2026 — One-stop reference for 2026 dates.
- Festival Muhurat Calendar 2027 — Next year’s festival timings at a glance.
- Navratri 2026 Astrological Significance — Nine-night guidance for ritual depth.
- Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Puja Muhurat Planner — Setup and timing for Ganesh celebrations.
Remedy & Ritual Guides
- Best Days for Planetary Remedies: Muhurat Guide — Weekly ritual timing.
- Monthly Planetary Remedies 2026 Guide — Month-wise actions to balance planets.
- Navgraha Shanti Puja Complete Guide — Steps to harmonize all nine planets.
Holi 2026 calls us to celebrate with intention: cleanse negativity, share resources, and choose colors that heal rather than harm.
