Every year as February ends, one common question starts trending across India. Holi kab hai 2026? Is it on March 3 or March 4? People planning travel, school holidays, office leaves, or festive celebrations often get confused because the Holi 2026 Date in India depends on the Hindu lunar calendar, not the regular Gregorian calendar.

If you are searching When is Holi 2026, this complete informational guide will clear all your doubts related to the Holi festival date 2026 in India, Holika Dahan 2026 date, Rangwali Holi 2026, Dhulandi 2026 date, and Holika Dahan 2026 Muhurat.

This pillar article will explain the exact Holi 2026 calendar date, Holi 2026 date and time, Holika dahan 2026 according to Hindu calendar date, along with region wise details such as Holi 2026 date in Delhi and Holi 2026 date in Maharashtra in simple language.

Holi 2026 Date in India

There is a lot of confusion regarding Holi 2026 March 3 or 4 because Holi is celebrated in two parts.

According to the Hindu Panchang calendar:

Holika Dahan 2026 Date
Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Rangwali Holi 2026 Date
Wednesday, 4 March 2026

So if you are asking When is Holi 2026, the festival of colours will be celebrated on 4 March 2026, while the ritual of Holika Dahan will be performed on 3 March 2026.

This confirms that the official Holi festival date 2026 in India for playing colours is March 4.

Holi 2026 Date and Time in India Calendar

Here are the important Holi 2026 date and time details based on the Hindu calendar.

Purnima Tithi Begins
5:55 PM on 2 March 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends
5:07 PM on 3 March 2026

Holika Dahan 2026 Muhurat
6:22 PM to 8:50 PM on 3 March 2026

Duration
2 Hours 28 Minutes

Holika dahan 2026 according to Hindu calendar date must be performed only after Bhadra ends and during Pradosh Kaal. This is why the Holika Dahan 2026 date and time in India calendar is considered spiritually significant on the evening of 3 March 2026. Affordable Restaurant Franchise in India

Rangwali Holi 2026 and Dhulandi 2026 Date

Rangwali Holi 2026 which is also known as Dhulandi or Dhulivandan will be celebrated on:

4 March 2026

On this day, people play with colours, apply gulal, enjoy sweets, dance with music, and celebrate with family and friends.

So if your question is Holi 2026 start date, the celebrations begin with Holika Dahan on 3 March and continue with Rangwali Holi 2026 on 4 March. Holi 2026 Date in India

Holi 2026 Date in Delhi and Maharashtra

Many people often search for region specific details such as Holi 2026 date in Delhi or Holi 2026 date in Maharashtra to plan their celebrations in advance.

Here is the confirmed information.

Holi 2026 date in Delhi
4 March 2026

Holi 2026 date in Maharashtra
4 March 2026

Holika Dahan 2026 Date
3 March 2026 across India

Since the Holi festival is based on the lunar tithi according to the Hindu calendar, the celebration date remains the same across most Indian states including Delhi and Maharashtra.

Planning your Holi celebrations or festive travel in advance? Stay updated with the latest festival dates, hospitality news and celebration guides with Times of Hospitality. Explore more informative blogs to plan your perfect festive season without any confusion.

Why Does the Holi Festival Date Change Every Year?

The Holi festival 2026 India timing is decided by the Phalguna Purnima which is the full moon day of the Hindu month Phalguna.

Unlike fixed calendar festivals, Holi depends on:

Lunar movement of the moon
Presence of Purnima Tithi
Ending of Bhadra period
Pradosh Kaal timing

This is why Holi 2026 calendar date changes every year and sometimes creates confusion like Holi 2026 March 3 or 4. Roka Ceremony Venues in Delhi NCR

Holika Dahan 2026 According to Hindu Calendar Hindi

Holika Dahan is celebrated on the night before Holi. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and devotion over arrogance.

Holika dahan 2026 according to Hindu calendar date:

Phalguna Purnima Evening
3 March 2026

People light a sacred bonfire, offer grains, coconut, and prayers, and perform Parikrama around the fire for prosperity and protection.

Religious Significance of Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan 2026 is deeply connected with the legendary story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. His evil aunt Holika tried to burn him in fire, but due to divine protection, Prahlad survived while Holika was destroyed.

This sacred ritual represents:

Destruction of negativity
Victory of faith
Beginning of the new harvest season
Spiritual purification

The ashes from the Holika bonfire are considered holy and many people apply them on their forehead the next morning as a symbol of protection and blessings.

Want accurate festival dates and smart travel insights for your next celebration? Follow Times of Hospitality for trusted updates on Holi 2026 and other major Indian festivals to make every occasion well planned and memorable.

Meaning of Rangwali Holi 2026

Rangwali Holi 2026 celebrates:

Arrival of spring
End of winter
Unity among people
Forgiveness and happiness

People greet each other by applying colours and saying Happy Holi.

Holi 2026 Date in India Start and End Date

Holi 2026 start date
3 March 2026 with Holika Dahan

Holi 2026 main celebration
4 March 2026 Rangwali Holi

Celebrations may continue for 2 to 5 days in some regions like Braj and Rajasthan.

Traditional Holi Foods

During Holi festival 2026 India timing, families prepare festive foods such as:

Gujiya
Malpua
Dahi Vada
Thandai
Puran Poli

These sweets are an essential part of Rangwali Holi 2026 celebrations.

Eco Friendly Tips for Holi 2026

As you prepare to celebrate the Holi 2026 Date in India with colours and joy, it is important to make your celebrations safe for both the environment and your health. Following eco friendly practices can help you enjoy Rangwali Holi 2026 responsibly.

Use organic or herbal colours made from natural ingredients instead of chemical based gulal to protect your skin and the environment.
Avoid unnecessary water wastage by playing dry Holi whenever possible and limiting the use of water balloons and hoses.
Always respect consent before applying colours to others to ensure a safe and comfortable celebration for everyone.
Wear protective sunglasses to keep your eyes safe from colour powders and dust during Dhulandi celebrations.
Apply coconut oil or mustard oil on your skin and hair before stepping out so that colours can be easily removed later without causing irritation.

Holika Dahan 2027 Date

If you are planning your festive calendar in advance, it is helpful to know the Holi dates for the upcoming year as well. Just like every year, the Holi festival in 2027 will also be celebrated in two parts based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Holika Dahan 2027 will be observed on
21 March 2027

Rangwali Holi 2027 will be celebrated on
22 March 2027

Holika Dahan marks the sacred bonfire ritual performed on the night of Phalguna Purnima, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The next day, Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi will be celebrated with colours, music, and festive gatherings across India.

Planning early for these dates can help you organise holidays, travel, and festive preparations in advance for a joyful Holi celebration in 2027.

FAQs – Holi 2026 Date & Celebration

1. What is the real date of Holi in 2026?
The official Holi 2026 Date in India is 4 March 2026. On this day, Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi will be celebrated with colours across the country. Holika Dahan, which marks the beginning of the Holi festival, will take place one day before on 3 March 2026 in the evening.

2. In which year will Holi be on 4 March?
Holi will fall on 4 March in the year 2026. The festival date changes every year because it is based on the Phalguna Purnima according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

3. What is the timing of Holi 2026 Holika Dahan?
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Holika Dahan 2026 Muhurat will be from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM on 3 March 2026. The ritual should be performed during Pradosh Kaal after the Bhadra period ends for spiritual significance.

4. Where is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated across India on 29 August 2026. It is one of the major Hindu festivals that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

5. Where is Holi 2027?
Holika Dahan in 2027 will be observed on 21 March 2027, followed by Rangwali Holi celebrations on 22 March 2027 throughout India.

6. Which festival is coming in March 2026?
Holi is one of the major festivals coming in March 2026. The Holi festival will begin with Holika Dahan on 3 March and continue with the colour celebration on 4 March 2026.

7. What is the real date of Diwali in 2026?
Diwali in 2026 will be celebrated on 8 November across India with traditional rituals, lighting of diyas, and festive celebrations.

8. Is Holi celebrated for 2 days in 2025?
Yes, Holi is always celebrated for two days. The first day is Holika Dahan which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the second day is Rangwali Holi when people play with colours.

9. Where is Holi in 2028?
Holi in 2028 will be celebrated across India in March according to the Hindu lunar calendar, with Holika Dahan on the evening before Rangwali Holi.

10. Where is Janmashtami in 2026?
Janmashtami will be celebrated across India on 15 August 2026 to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna with fasting and devotional rituals.

Conclusion

To clear all confusion regarding Holi 2026 Date in India, Holika Dahan will be observed on 3 March 2026 and Rangwali Holi 2026 will be celebrated on 4 March 2026.

So if you are searching When is Holi 2026, the festival of colours will officially take place on 4 March 2026 across India, including Delhi and Maharashtra.

Plan your celebrations, holidays, and travel accordingly to enjoy the vibrant festival of colours with joy and positivity.