When Is Holika Dahan 2026? March 2 or 3? Check Holika Dahan Muhurat, Chandra Grahan Timings, etc

Holika Dahan 2026: The festival of colours, Holi 2026, is all set to arrive next week. A day before Holi, people celebrate Holika Dahan to mark the victory of good over evil. However, many people remain confused about the exact date of Holika Dahan 2026. Interestingly, the festival also coincides with Chandra Grahan, aka Lunar Eclipse.

Here are all the details about Holika Dahan 2026 and other details.

Holika Dahan 2026 Date: Is It On March 2 or March 3?

Holika Dahan 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3, as per Drik Panchang. The festival is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil and remember the survival of the Vishnu devotee, Prahlad and the burning of the demoness Holika. Holika Dahan 2026 celebration is also a symbol of the destruction of negativity, arrogance, and the burning of evil spirits, ushering in the joy, renewal, and positivity of the Holi 2026, whoch is celebrated next day.

Holika Dahan 2026 Muhurat, Key Timings

As per Drik Panchang website, Holika Dahan muhurat will start at 6:22 pm and will conclude at 8:50 pm. The Bhadra Punchha time will start at 1:25 am and will conclude at 2:35 am. Whereas, the Bhadra Mukha time will start at 02:35 AM and will conclude at 04:30 am. Purnima tithi will start at 5:55 pm on March 2 and will conclude at 5:07 pm on March 3.

Holika Dahan Muhurat Due To Chandra Grahan

Chandra Grahan will take place on Tuesday, hence, some media reports suggest to avoid any shubh activity on the day, ie on March 3. Because of lunar eclipse and the associated sutak kaal, Holika Dahan puja is recommended on the evening of 2 March 2026.

Holika Legend

The story centres on Prahlada, child of demon king Hiranyakashipu and Kayadhu. Prahlada grows up away from the palace, guided by sage Narada. During this time, Hiranyakashipu performs severe penance to please Lord Brahma and gain immortality.

Hiranyakashipu returns with power and demands worship from everyone, rejecting Lord Vishnu. Prahlada refuses and continues praying to Lord Vishnu, which angers Hiranyakashipu deeply. Seeking Prahlada's death, Hiranyakashipu turns to Holika, a demon lady and sibling, for help.

Holika owns a special shawl, said to be a gift from Lord Brahma. It is believed to shield the wearer from fire. Holika takes Prahlada onto her lap in a huge bonfire, expecting safety. Instead, Holika burns, the shawl protects Prahlada, and this Holi legend is remembered through ceremonial fires.