Holika Dahan 2026: Date, Time, Muhurat, Rules, History & Significance in India

Holika Dahan 2026 marks the beginning of the grand Holi celebrations across India. Also known as Chhoti Holi, this sacred ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures and traditions. Every year, people search for the exact date and time of Holika Dahan, especially when it comes to auspicious muhurat and Bhadra timings.

Here is the complete and accurate guide to Holika Dahan 2026 date, muhurat, rules, history, and regional significance.

When Is Holika Dahan in 2026?

• Holika Dahan Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026
• Holi (Rangwali / Dhulandi): Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Holika Dahan is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month Falgun, and the festival of colors is celebrated the following day.

Holika Dahan 2026 Time & Muhurat (India)

For New Delhi and most parts of India, the auspicious Holika Dahan muhurat is:

Holika Dahan Muhurat:

• Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes
• 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM

Important Panchang Timings

• Bhadra Punchha: 1:36 AM to 2:46 AM
• Bhadra Mukha: 2:46 AM to 4:43 AM

Since Bhadra does not prevail during the evening, Holika Dahan on 3 March 2026 is considered fully auspicious.

Holika Dahan 2026 Date and Time in India Calendar

• Purnima Tithi Begins: 2 March 2026 at 5:55 PM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: 3 March 2026 at 5:07 PM

According to scriptures, Purnima must prevail during Pradosh Kaal, which is fulfilled in 2026 – making this date astrologically correct.

Holika Dahan Rules According to Hindu Scriptures

As per religious texts, Holashtak begins eight days before Falgun Purnima. During this period, no auspicious activities like marriage or housewarming are performed.

Two Main Rules for Holika Dahan:

1. Bhadra Kaal should not be present at the time of the bonfire
2. Purnima Tithi must prevail during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset)

Only when both conditions are met is Holika Dahan considered valid and fruitful.

Holika Dahan 2026 in North

In Bihar, Holika Dahan is celebrated with deep devotion and traditional customs.

• Bonfires are lit in villages and localities
• People worship Holika using cow dung cakes, grains, and wood
• The next day, Holi is celebrated with colors, folk songs, and sweets like malpua

The festival brings social unity and cultural vibrancy across Bihar.

Legend Behind Holika Dahan

According to Hindu Puranas, Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, opposed his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu. To kill Prahlad, he asked his sister Holika, who had a boon to remain unharmed by fire, to sit in flames with Prahlad on her lap.

However, by divine grace:

• Holika was burned to ashes
• Prahlad emerged unharmed

This event symbolizes that evil intentions are destroyed while true devotion is always protected.

History of Holika Dahan

The tradition of Holi and Holika Dahan dates back centuries.

• A 16th-century painting in Hampi depicts Holi celebrations
• A 300 BC inscription near the Vindhya mountains mentions Holi
• Some legends associate Holi with Lord Krishna’s victory over demoness Putana

These historical references prove that Holika Dahan has ancient cultural roots in India.

Why Holika Dahan Is Important

Holika Dahan represents:

• Victory of truth over falsehood
• Destruction of negativity
• Beginning of joy, colors, and renewal

People believe that circling the bonfire removes fear, illness, and bad energy from life.

Holi After Holika Dahan: What Happens Next?

The day after Holika Dahan is celebrated as:

• Rangwali Holi
• Dhulandi / Dhulendi
• Festival of Colors

People apply gulal, exchange greetings, forgive past differences, and celebrate together.

Holika Dahan 2026

Holika Dahan 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, 3 March, followed by Holi on 4 March 2026. With the correct muhurat and favorable Panchang conditions, this year’s celebration is considered highly auspicious.

The festival reminds us that faith, goodness, and devotion always triumph over evil.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Holika Dahan 2026

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