Holi 2026 Date and Time: As India prepares to welcome the vibrant festival of colours, many are asking the key question: when is Holi in 2026, and when will Dhulandi be celebrated after Holika Dahan?
Holi celebrations will take place on Tuesday March 3, 2026. The festival unfolds in two parts:
Holi is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar on the full moon day (Purnima) which falls in the month of Phalguna. The celebrations start with Holika Dahan at Phalguna Purnima and continue with Dhulandi or Rangwali Holi celebrations on the following day.
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Holika Dahan marks the symbolic victory of good over evil. On this evening, bonfires are lit in neighbourhoods across the country. Families gather to perform rituals, offer prayers, and circle the sacred fire.
The ritual is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, including references found in the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana. It commemorates the story of Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, and his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu.
The story goes back to the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who demanded that everyone worship him. The king tried to kill Prahlada because his son refused to stop worshiping Lord Vishnu.
Holika used her fireproofing boon to help him. She planned to kill Prahlada by sitting with him on her lap in the flames. Holika turned into ashes through divine intervention while Prahlada remained safely protected because of his Vishnu devotion.
The day after Holika Dahan is Dhulandi, also known as Rangwali Holi. This is the much-anticipated celebration filled with colours, music, water balloons, sweets, and festivities.
People apply gulal to one another while they exchange greetings and establish connections. Households prepare traditional sweets such as gujiya and thandai drinks.
The celebration of Holi differs between various regions through their special customs. The Lathmar Holi festival in Uttar Pradesh attracts large crowds to Barsana and Nandgaon. The festival holds special importance in Mathura and Vrindavan because it celebrates Lord Krishna.
Holi has become a worldwide festival that people celebrate today. Indian communities from Nepal to Mauritius and the United States to the United Kingdom observe the festival with great enthusiasm.
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