25 February,2026 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
File Pic
Holi in 2026 will be observed on different dates across India due to a Total Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) coinciding with Phalguna Purnima, according to calculations by DrikPanchang.
Since Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna, the occurrence of a lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, directly impacts ritual timings. The Sutak period begins several hours before the eclipse and continues until it ends in the evening, making religious rituals inauspicious during that time. Considering that Holika Dahan must be performed after sunset during Pradosh Kaal and outside both Bhadra and Sutak, several states have adjusted their dates.
In 2026, the Purnima tithi spans March 3 and continues into March 4. However, because the lunar eclipse is visible in India on the evening of March 3, many regions cannot perform Holika Dahan during the eclipse period. As a result, some states advance Holika Dahan to March 2, and others perform it on March 3 after the eclipse ends. The festival of colours is observed the following day
North India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab)
Holika Dahan: March 3 (after eclipse ends)
Holi: March 4
In Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana, celebrations begin earlier, but the main Holi falls on March 4.
Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur)
Holika Dahan: March 2
Dhulivandan: March 3
Following the Amanta calendar and due to Sutak on the evening of March 3, Maharashtra advances the ritual.
Gujarat
March 2 (Holika Dahan)
March 3 (Dhuleti)
South India (Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu)
March 2
March 3
West Bengal & Odisha
March 3 (post-eclipse timing dependent)
March 4 (Dol Purnima)
In Punjab, Hola Mohalla will be observed on March 5.
The variation in 2026 is due to:
Despite the date differences, the essence of Holi; celebrating the triumph of good over evil and welcoming spring remains unchanged. Holi 2026 stands out as a year where a rare celestial event shapes regional observance across India.
