Holi
festivalsAlso known as: Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Tithi
- Chaitra Krishna Pratipada (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 05:08 PM, Mar 03 to 04:50 PM, Mar 04
- Lunar month
- Chaitra · Krishna Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Dhoolivandana, Vasantotsava
Holi
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Lunar Month: Chaitra
Holi at a Glance
Holi is fixed by the lunar calendar to Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, the 1st tithi of the waning (Krishna) fortnight of Chaitra (Phalguna Krishna Pratipada in the Amanta calendar).
- Tithi rule
- Chaitra Krishna Pratipada (Purnimanta)Krishna PratipadaChaitra month
- Tithi swami and group
- Agni · Nanda Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- DhoolivandanaVasantotsava
Panchanga on This Day
Holi · Mar 3, 2026
About Holi
Holi is the vibrant Festival of Colors marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of devotion over evil, symbolized by the story of Prahlad and Holika.
Holika Dahan bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi during Bhadra-free Pradosh Muhurat, followed by joyful color celebrations on the next day.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
The festival is a two-day event beginning with a sacred bonfire and ending with a celebration of colors.
- On the eve of Holi, perform the Holika Dahan Puja. A massive bonfire is built using wood and cow dung cakes.
- Offer raw yarn, turmeric, kumkum, and sweets into the fire while circumambulating it (Parikrama).
- On the next day (Dhulandi), people playfully throw dry colors (Gulal) and colored water on each other.
Vrat Katha: The Devotion of Prahlad
Demon King Hiranyakashipu demanded that everyone worship only him, but his son Prahlad remained a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Hiranyakashipu asked his wicked sister, Holika, who had a magical fireproof cloak, for help to burn Prahlad.
As the fire raged, a divine wind blew the cloak off Holika and wrapped it around Prahlad. Holika burned to ashes, while Prahlad emerged unharmed.
Holi: Frequently Asked Questions
Chaitra Krishna Pratipada (Phalguna Krishna Pratipada in the Amanta calendar); its swami is Agni, a Nanda Tithi.
Krishna Pratipada: 05:08 PM, Tue, Mar 3, 2026 to 04:50 PM, Wed, Mar 4, 2026 (IST).
Dhoolivandana and Vasantotsava, also on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Chaitra
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.