In Gurugram, workers prepare heaps of 'gulal' with less than a week left for the nationwide holi celebrations

In Jammu, a shopkeeper arranges water guns outside his store, as regional calendar differences (Amanta vs Purnimanta) and eclipse restrictions shape how Holi 2026 will unfold across India

In Kolkata, visually impaired children toss flower petals during a cultural programme, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil

Thane’s shops see families picking out water guns, as Maharashtra prepares to observe Holika Dahan on March 2 and Dhulivandan on March 3, following the Amanta calendar

In Nagpur, heaps bright gulal and other colours are readied for sale, as the state advances rituals due to sutak restrictions linked to the rare Lunar Eclipse on March 3

Wholesale traders in Ahmedabad pack vibrant powders, with Gujarat also set to mark Holika Dahan on March 2 and celebrate Dhuleti on March 3

At Sadar Bazar in New Delhi, customers browse colourful pichkaris as North India plans Holika Dahan on March 3, after the eclipse ends and Holi on March 4

Students in Patna celebrate with colours at the College of Arts and Crafts, reflecting the festive mood sweeping Bihar before the official dates

A young woman in Nadia celebrates ahead of Dol Purnima, as West Bengal prepares for Holika Dahan on March 3

Markets in Guwahati brim with vibrant ‘gulal’, ‘abeer’ and pichkaris ahead of the festival.