Holika Dahan 2026: Muhurta, Bhadra Timings, Purnima Tithi & Rangwali Holi Date
Holika Dahan and Holi are among the most sacred and vibrant festivals in Hindu tradition. In 2026, the festival will be observed with specific Panchang-based timings that devotees should carefully follow for proper ritual performance.
This article provides complete details of Holika Dahan Muhurta, Bhadra timings, Pradosh Kaal significance, and Purnima Tithi for 2026.
Holika Dahan 2026: Date & Muhurta
- Holika Dahan: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Holika Dahan Muhurta: 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM
- Duration: 02 Hours 28 Minutes
Holika Dahan in 2026 will be performed during Pradosh Kaal and importantly without Udaya Vyapini Purnima, as per traditional Panchang calculations.
Purnima Tithi Timings
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 05:55 PM on March 2, 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 05:07 PM on March 3, 2026
Since Purnima Tithi is prevailing during evening hours on March 3, Holika Dahan will be performed that night during the prescribed Muhurta.
Bhadra Timings on Holika Dahan Night
Bhadra is considered inauspicious for performing Holika Dahan rituals. Therefore, it is important to avoid Bhadra period.
- Bhadra Punchha: 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM (March 3, 2026)
- Bhadra Mukha: 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM (March 3, 2026)
Since Bhadra ends before the evening Muhurta, Holika Dahan can be safely performed during 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM.
Significance of Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is based on the legend of Prahlad and the demon king Hiranyakashipu.
According to mythology:
- Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
- Hiranyakashipu opposed Vishnu worship.
- Holika attempted to burn Prahlad.
- Divine grace protected Prahlad, while Holika was destroyed.
The ritual fire represents:
- Burning of ego and negativity
- Protection from evil forces
- Spiritual purification
Devotees offer coconut, grains, cow dung cakes, and pray for prosperity and protection.
Rangwali Holi 2026
- Rangwali Holi: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The day after Holika Dahan is celebrated as Rangwali Holi, also known as the festival of colors.
People celebrate by:
- Applying gulal (colored powders)
- Playing with water and pichkaris
- Sharing sweets like gujiya
- Visiting friends and relatives
Holi promotes unity, forgiveness, joy, and celebration of the spring season.
Holika Dahan During Pradosh Kaal
Pradosh Kaal refers to the period just after sunset. Performing Holika Dahan during Pradosh while Purnima Tithi is prevailing is considered highly auspicious.
In 2026:
- Holika Dahan is observed during Pradosh Kaal
- It is performed without Udaya Vyapini Purnima condition
- Bhadra does not affect the evening Muhurta
This makes 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM on March 3, 2026 the correct time for rituals.
Summary Table: Holika Dahan & Holi 2026
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Purnima Begins | March 2, 2026 | 05:55 PM |
| Purnima Ends | March 3, 2026 | 05:07 PM |
| Bhadra Punchha | March 3, 2026 | 01:25 AM – 02:35 AM |
| Bhadra Mukha | March 3, 2026 | 02:35 AM – 04:30 AM |
| Holika Dahan Muhurta | March 3, 2026 | 06:22 PM – 08:50 PM |
| Rangwali Holi | March 4, 2026 | Full Day |
Read This: March 2026 Festival Calendar: Complete Guide To Holi, Rang Panchami, Navratri, And More
Spiritual Message of Holi
Holi teaches us:
- Faith over fear
- Good over evil
- Devotion over arrogance
- Unity over division
The sacred fire of Holika reminds us to burn anger, jealousy, hatred, and negativity from our lives.
