Patna: Holi will be celebrated on March 4 in 2026, nearly 10 days earlier than last year, as shifts in the Hindu lunar calendar alter the timing of one of India’s most widely observed festivals.
According to astrologers and traditional almanacs, the earlier date follows adjustments in the lunar cycle, including the occurrence of an additional month, known as Adhik Maas, in the broader calendrical calculations. The change means the festival will arrive sooner than in each of the past six years.
In 2025, Holi was observed on March 15. In previous years it fell on March 26 (2024), March 8 (2023), March 19 (2022), March 29 (2021) and March 10 (2020).
Holika Dahan and Calendar Calculations
Traditionally, Holi is preceded by Holika Dahan, the ritual bonfire held on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The colour celebrations follow the next day.
In 2026, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, according to the Mithila and Banaras almanacs. The full moon of Phalguna begins at 5.32pm on March 2 and continues until 4.46pm on March 3.
Astrologers say the timing is complicated this year by the overlap of Bhadra – a period traditionally considered inauspicious for certain rituals – and a lunar eclipse. Religious texts such as the Dharma Sindhu advise that Holika Dahan be performed during the concluding phase of Bhadra, avoiding its main period. Based on these calculations, the recommended time for the ritual falls between 12.50am and 2.02am on the intervening night.
The Phalguna Purnima fast will be observed on March 2, while March 3 will mark the full moon associated with ritual bathing and charitable donations.
Lunar Eclipse and Sutak Period
A lunar eclipse is expected on March 3 between 5.50pm and 6.47pm, and will be visible in India for approximately 20 minutes. During totality, the moon is expected to take on a reddish hue, commonly referred to as a “blood moon”.
In keeping with religious custom, the Sutak period – considered inauspicious for auspicious ceremonies – begins about nine hours before the eclipse. This places the start of Sutak at 9am on March 3.
Because of the eclipse and Sutak observance, astrologers advise against celebrating Holi on March 3. Instead, devotional activities such as prayer, chanting and meditation are recommended during the eclipse window, with colour festivities taking place on March 4.
Astrological Alignments
Holi in 2026 will fall during the conjunction of the Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni constellations. Purva Phalguni will prevail until 7.27am on March 4, after which Uttara Phalguni will continue for the rest of the day. Dhriti Yoga will also be in effect, while the Sun is said to be positioned in Shatabhisha Nakshatra within Aquarius.
Rituals and Symbolism
Holika Dahan symbolises the victory of good over evil, recalling the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika. Devotees traditionally worship the bonfire with offerings including rice, vermilion, sandalwood paste, sacred thread, turmeric, sweets and lamps. Ingredients such as jaggery, sesame seeds, barley and clarified butter are placed in the fire, often circled seven times in prayer for peace and prosperity.
It is also customary in many households to roast grains such as gram or wheat in the embers and distribute them as prasad, symbolising health and wellbeing.
Colours and Zodiac Traditions
Some astrologers also suggest colours for Holi based on zodiac signs
Aries: Red, yellow, and white
Taurus: White, green, and blue
Gemini: Green, blue, and white
Cancer: White, yellow, and red
Leo: Red, pink, yellow, and white
Virgo: Green, blue, and bright white
Libra: White, green, and blue
Scorpio: Pink, orange, and yellow
Sagittarius: Yellow, pink, and orange
Capricorn: Blue, green, and purple
Aquarius: Blue, green, and white
Pisces: Yellow, pink, red, and white
Holi, often described as the festival of colours and brotherhood, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated across India with music, dance and the playful throwing of coloured powders.
