Holi will be celebrated under the shadow of lunar eclipse and Bhadra! Know the exact time of Holika Dahan and why colors will be played on March 4:

Astrology Desk. The festival of ‘Holi’, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, is going to be very special and a little complicated this year. In the year 2026, a rare coincidence of lunar eclipse and Bhadra Kaal is taking place on Phalgun Purnima, due to which there is a lot of confusion in the minds of people regarding the date and time of Holika Dahan. According to the Hindu calendar, Phalgun is the last month of the Hindu year and Purnima is its last day, after which Chaitra month is considered the beginning of the new year.

Understand in Amar Ujala’s astrologer’s style, what effect the exact time of Holika Dahan and the Sutak of the eclipse will have on Holi this year.

When is Holika Dahan? Don’t get confused about the date

According to Hindu calendar, date of Phalgun Purnima 02 March starting in the evening 03 March Will last till evening. But due to the first lunar eclipse of the year on March 03, astrologers 02 March Burning Holika is considered as per the scriptures.

Purnima date start: From 02 March 2026, 05:55 PM.

Purnima Tithi Ending: 03 March 2026, till 05:07 pm.

Date of Holika Dahan: 02 March 2026 (Monday).

Rangotsav (Dhulendi): 04 March 2026 (Wednesday).

Shadow of Bhadra and lunar eclipse: What is the astrological mathematics?

This year, at the time of Holika Dahan, ‘Bhadra’ will be present, which is considered inauspicious for auspicious works.

Bhadra period: Starting from 05:56 pm on March 02, it will continue till 05:28 am on March 03. According to the scriptures, it is auspicious to sacrifice Bhadra Mukh and burn it during Bhadra Puchcha period.

Lunar eclipse: Lunar eclipse will occur on the full moon day on March 03. Lighting fire and celebrating festivals is prohibited during the eclipse and its Sutak period, hence Holika Dahan will not be performed on March 03.

Why will Holi be celebrated on 4th March? Since the full moon and eclipse will be in effect till the evening of March 03, hence Pratipada Tithi (Holi with colors) 04 March Will be celebrated.

Method and mythological significance of Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan is not just burning wood, but a ritual to give up the evils within oneself.

Method of worship: Devotees offer cow dung cakes, new wheat ears and gram to the fire while worshiping Holika.

Recognition: While circling the fire, wishes are made for the family’s happiness, prosperity and freedom from diseases.

Story: This festival commemorates the protection of devotee Prahlad and the end of the ego of his aunt ‘Holika’. Lord Vishnu had saved Prahlad from fire by taking the incarnation of Narasimha.

Upcoming Major Festivals 2026

Caution: What not to do during the sutak of eclipse?

The sutak of the lunar eclipse on March 03 will start 9 hours before. During this:

Food preparation and eating should be avoided (except for the elderly and sick).

Chanting mantras during eclipse period is fruitful.

Bathing and charity should be done only after the eclipse is over and only then finalize the preparations for Holi.