Festival 2026 · Bonfire of Holika (Phalguna Purnima)
Holika Dahan 2026
Monday, 2 March 2026 (passed)
Tithi begins: Mon 2 Mar, 5:56 PM IST
Tithi ends: Tue 3 Mar, 5:08 PM IST
Times for Delhi. Other cities can differ, sometimes by a day.
About Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is the bonfire lit on the evening of Phalguna Purnima, remembering Prahlad's devotion and the burning of Holika. It must be lit in Pradosh Kaal when Purnima prevails and Bhadra is over.
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated the following day.
How it is observed
- Holika puja and parikrama around the pyre.
- Burning the Holika in the evening Muhurat.
- Offering new grain and coconut.
- Applying the ash as tilak.
Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar (tithi) as seen from Delhi and can differ by a day between regions and panchangs. Computed from NASA JPL DE421 Sun and Moon positions. Confirm with your local temple or priest for religious observances.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
Holika Dahan 2026 falls on Monday, 2 March 2026. The tithi begins Mon 2 Mar, 5:56 PM IST and ends Tue 3 Mar, 5:08 PM IST (Delhi).
When is Holi relative to Holika Dahan?
Rangwali Holi is the day after Holika Dahan.
Why does the date of Holika Dahan change every year?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar, so the date moves against the 365-day calendar by about 11 days a year, then jumps back when an extra (Adhika) month is added.
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