Holi 2026 date: Holi is one of the biggest and most colorful Hindu festivals. It is celebrated with joy and excitement across India and by Hindu communities around the world. The festival is famous as the festival of colors. People throw colored powders called gulal, play with water, and celebrate happiness and love.
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Holi 2026 Date
For 2026, Holi will be celebrated on March 4, while Holika Dahan, the night before, will be on March 3.
- According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 05:55 PM on March 2, 2026, and ends at 05:07 PM on March 3.
- Holika Dahan Muhurta is from 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM.
- The Bhadra Punchha is from 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM and Bhadra Mukha from 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM.
Holika Dahan
it happens on the evening of the full moon after the eclipse ends. Holika Dahan is the part of the festival where people light bonfires. It comes from the story of Holika and Prahlad. Holika tried to kill Prahlad by sitting with him in a fire. But Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu and came out alive. Holika burned to death. This day represents the victory of good over evil.
How Holi is Celebrated in Different Places?
The main Holi celebrations happen the next morning after Holika Dahan. People play with colors and splash water on each other and much more liek dance and sing.
Mathura and Vrindavan
In Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated for several days. It is linked to Lord Krishna. People take part in temple rituals, flower Holi, and traditional raslila performances.
Barsana
In Barsana, women playfully hit men with sticks during Lathmar Holi while throwing colors. It attracts visitors from all over India.
Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, especially Jaipur and Udaipur, Holi is celebrated with royal processions, folk performances, and palace courtyards.
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West Bengal
West Bengal celebrates Holi as Dol Jatra or Basanta Utsav with yellow clothes, Rabindra Sangeet, and cultural performances rather than loud color fights.
Punjab
In Punjab, Hola Mohalla is celebrated with martial arts displays, Sikh warrior traditions, and community meals.
Young Krishna, who was playful, was self-conscious about his dark skin compared to Radha’s fair complexion. His mother Yashoda jokingly suggested he paint Radha’s face, and that is how the tradition of playing with colors started.
Traditional Holi Foods
Food is a big part of Holi.
- Gujiya is the most famous sweet. These are deep-fried dumplings filled with khoya, nuts, and sugar.
- Thandai is a chilled milk-based drink with nuts, fennel, and spices. It is often flavored with rose or saffron.
- Dahi Bhalla are soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt with chutneys and masala.
- Kachori is a flaky deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils or peas.
- Pakoda are crispy vegetable fritters fried in gram flour batter.
All these foods make Holi even more festive.
