Holi muhurat
Holi 2026
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The festival of colors spans two days: Holika Dahan on the first night, and playing with colors the next day. Below are both dates and the auspicious Holika Dahan window.
Why Holi matters
Holi traces back to the story of Prahlad and Holika. Holika, sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap and blessed to be immune to fire, tried to burn Prahlad, Lord Vishnu's devotee, in her lap. She perished instead, and Holika Dahan marks that end of evil.
The color-play the next day is linked to the playful love of Radha and Krishna. The day is meant to dissolve social distance, everyone mixing freely regardless of status.
Celebrated with gujiya, thandai, and dhol, the festival also welcomes the arrival of spring.
How the Holika Dahan muhurat is fixed
Holika Dahan is performed at night during Pradosh Kaal on Phalgun Purnima, avoiding Bhadra Kaal, which is considered inauspicious for this ritual.
Playing colors the next day has no fixed muhurat, it can happen any time from morning to evening. Check the muhurat page for exact local timing and Rahu Kaal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi 2026? +
Holi 2026 falls on March 3. Holika Dahan happens the night before, on the evening of March 2.
What is the auspicious Holika Dahan muhurat? +
The Holika Dahan window is 6 PM to 8:47 PM on the night of March 2, outside Bhadra Kaal.
Is there a muhurat for playing colors too? +
No, playing colors does not need a specific muhurat. It can happen any time the next day, from morning to evening.