This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan occurring on the evening of March 2, due to a lunar eclipse affecting the festival's timing.
The festival of colors, Holi, has sparked confusion among people regarding the date for celebrations this year. Some believe it will fall on March 3, while others claim it is March 4. According to astrological calculations and the Hindu lunar calendar, Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, which is a Wednesday. Holika Dahan, a significant ritual preceding Holi, is scheduled for the evening of March 2, 2026.
The central reason for the timing is a complete lunar eclipse occurring on March 3, which will take place from 3:21 PM until 6:46 PM. During the eclipse and the subsequent 'sutik' period, auspicious activities are generally avoided in Hindu tradition. Hence, it is seen as inappropriate to play with colors on that day, pushing the main festivities to March 4 instead.
Additionally, religious beliefs discourage engaging in prayer or auspicious ceremonies during the eclipse. As a result, the primary celebration of Holi is strategically planned for the day after the eclipse. Furthermore, this lunar eclipse will be visible in India, as well as in regions across East Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and parts of America, making it a noteworthy astronomical event for many.
