Festival calendar
Holi 2026: date and how it is observed
Holi 2026 is on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Date
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Tithi
Phalguna Purnima (Holika Dahan), then Krishna Pratipada (Holi)
Days of the festival
- Holika DahanTuesday, 3 March 2026
- Holi (Rangwali)Wednesday, 4 March 2026
About Holi
Holi is the festival of colours. It begins with Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the evening of Purnima that recalls Prahlad's devotion and the defeat of Holika, and the next day is played with colours.
How Holi is observed
- Light the Holika Dahan fire on the evening of Purnima, at the time your local panchang gives.
- Offer grains, coconut and sweets to the fire.
- Play with dry colours the next morning and meet family and friends.
More festivals in 2026
- Lohri
- Makar Sankranti
- Vasant Panchami
- Maha Shivratri
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Guru Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Sharad Navratri
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
- Sharad Purnima
- Karwa Chauth
- Dhanteras
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhai Dooj
- Chhath Puja
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Kartik Purnima
- Diwali (Deepavali)
Dates are for New Delhi, calculated and checked against published panchangs. When a tithi spans two days or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat in your city, check the local panchang.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi in 2026?
Holi 2026 is on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Holika Dahan: Tuesday, 3 March 2026; Holi (Rangwali): Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The dates are for New Delhi.
Which tithi is Holi celebrated on?
Holi is celebrated on Phalguna Purnima (Holika Dahan), then Krishna Pratipada (Holi). This follows the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar.
Why is Holi celebrated?
Holi is the festival of colours. It begins with Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the evening of Purnima that recalls Prahlad's devotion and the defeat of Holika, and the next day is played with colours.
Can the date of Holi differ in my city?
Yes. When a tithi spans two days, or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat of the puja, check the panchang for your city.
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