Holi 2026 Date in India: Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours”, is one of the most significant, vivid, and colourful Hindu festivals, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and joy. In most states of India, Holi is celebrated over two days.
The first day of Holi is called Holika Dahan, Jalawali Holi, or Chhoti Holi; on this day, they worship Holika and burn her in a fire. The second day of Holi, also known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the major day for celebrating dry gulaal and watercolours.
Holi symbolises the arrival of spring and the end of winter, making it a harvest celebration that falls on the evening of Purnima, or the full moon day, in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which corresponds to late February to mid-March, according to the English or Gregorian calendar.
According to Drik Panchang, Holika Dahan will be observed on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, followed by the colourful celebration on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The purnima tithi begins on March 2, 2026, at 05:55 PM and concludes on March 3, 2026, at 05:07 PM.
Holi is known to celebrate the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. In contrast, Holika Dahan is based on the Indian mythical legend of Hiranyakashyap attempting to kill his son Prahlad through his daughter Holika. However, Prahlad lived, but Holika was burnt as an indication of devotion and righteousness.
On the day of the festival, friends and family come to enjoy the festive mood and celebrate with colours, sweets, and especially delicious treats, which are a vibrant and integral part of the festivities.
Delightful and diverse variety of sweets and savoury traditional dishes such as gujiyas, bhaang, and more are often enjoyed, creating a feast for the senses during this joyous occasion.
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