Holi: Holika Dahan Muhurat and Festival Guide
Get accurate Holika Dahan timing, rituals, and celebration guidance for Holi
Date
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Holika Dahan Muhurat
5:50 PM
Muhurat Timings
Holika Dahan Muhurat
Start Time: 5:50 PM on 3 March, 2026
End Time: 8:14 PM on 3 March, 2026
Duration: 2 Hours 24 Mins
Holika Dahan is performed during Pradosh Kaal on the evening before Holi, while Purnima tithi is active.
Tithi Timings
Purnima Begins
07:26 AM on Mar 02, 2026
Purnima Ends
06:38 AM on Mar 03, 2026
View Panchang & Choghadiya
What is Holi?
Holi is one of the most beloved Hindu festivals, celebrated on Phalguna Purnima to mark the arrival of spring. It is a celebration of joy, renewal, and community, where people gather to play with colors, sing, dance, and share festive food.
The festival is observed over two key phases: Holika Dahan on the previous evening and Rangwali Holi on the next day. Holika Dahan symbolizes the burning of negativity and the triumph of devotion, inspired by the legend of Prahlada.
Across India and the global diaspora, Holi is celebrated with regional diversity but shared spirit. The day is not just about color play, but also forgiveness, gratitude, and strengthening social bonds.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Holi represents the victory of dharma over adharma. The Holika-Prahlada narrative highlights unwavering devotion to the divine and the eventual defeat of ego and cruelty.
The festival also marks a seasonal transition from winter to spring. Communities welcome this shift with celebration, symbolic purification, and collective prayer.
Spiritually, Holi encourages people to release resentment, renew relationships, and begin the new season with positivity and compassion.
Rituals and Customs
- Perform Holika Dahan during Pradosh Kaal when Purnima tithi is prevailing.
- Offer coconut, grains, and sweets to the sacred fire and perform parikrama.
- Apply abeer-gulal and celebrate Rangwali Holi with family and community.
- Visit elders and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and harmony.
- Prepare and share festive foods such as gujiya, malpua, and thandai.
- Organize community gatherings with devotional songs and traditional music.
- Use natural colors and celebrate responsibly with respect for others.
Traditional Offerings
Common offerings and festive preparations during Holi include:
- Coconut, grains, and jaggery offered during Holika Dahan
- Gulal and abeer for color celebration
- Gujiya and other festive sweets shared with family
- Seasonal fruits and dry fruits for prasad
- Devotional flowers and incense for puja
- Traditional drinks such as thandai prepared for celebration