The article discusses the upcoming Hindu festival of Holi, particularly focusing on the ritual of Holika Dahan, which is traditionally observed the day before Holi. It highlights the confusion among people regarding whether Holika Dahan will take place on March 2 or March 3, 2026. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated on the Pratipada tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra, making Holika Dahan a significant event preceding the festival.

To clarify the date, the article cites the ancient scriptures, which suggest that Holika Dahan should occur during an auspicious time that is free of Bhadraka. On March 2, while there is a full moon, the presence of Bhadraka makes it inauspicious for the ritual. Conversely, on March 3, Bhadraka is absent, which makes it a more favorable day despite not completely aligning with the full moon during the Pradosh period, though there is a full moon in the morning allowing for the ritual to be performed that day.

The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to these traditional guidelines to ensure a successful and auspicious Holika Dahan, calling upon local priest Manohar Tripathi from Haridwar to provide expert opinion on the specific timing for the festival, hence educating the community about the ritual's significance and the correct calendar observances.