Holi — Hinduism's most colorful festival. Victory of good over evil. Holika-dahan on Phalguna-Purnima (small Holi), color-Holi (Dhulendi) next day. In 2026 Holika-dahan on 2 March (Monday), color-Holi on 3 March (Tuesday).
Purana-story: Hiranyakashipu tried many times to kill son Prahlad (Vishnu-devotee). Sister Holika had boon of not burning. Took Prahlad in lap into fire. By Vishnu-grace Prahlad survived, Holika burned.
✦ Holi 2026 — Muhurat
Phalguna-Purnima begins: 2 March 2026 (Mon) 5:42 AM. Ends: 3 March 6:18 AM.
Holika-dahan muhurat (2 March): Night 6:25 PM to 8:50 PM (Delhi). Pradosh-kaal. Avoid Bhadra.
Bhadra (2 March): 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM. No dahan during Bhadra.
Color Holi / Dhulendi (3 March Tue): After 8:00 AM. Day-long colors.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Holika-dahan forbidden during Bhadra?▼
Bhadra is Yama's sister — inauspicious. Shastra: work in Bhadra gives reverse-result. In 2026, 2 March Bhadra is 9:00 PM-11:30 PM — don't do dahan then. Do before (6:25-8:50 PM).
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Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.