Holika Dahan 2026, Lunar Eclipse & Holi Date – Complete Astrological and Scriptural Guide

India and its eternal Sanatan Hindu tradition represent a civilization deeply rooted in diversity and celebration. Major festivals such as Ganesh Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and Holi all convey the timeless message of the triumph of truth over falsehood.

In the current year, Phalguna Shukla Purnima of Vikram Samvat 2082 begins on 2 March 2026 at 5:18 PM and concludes on 3 March 2026 at 4:33 PM. Since sunset on 2 March 2026 will occur at 5:46 PM, and because the full-moon tithi is lunar-based and therefore night-dominant, Holika Dahan will be performed on the night of 2 March.

All Dharma Shastras unanimously state:

“Phalguna Paurnamasi Holika. Sa cha sayah-vyapini grahya. Sayahne Holikam kuryat.”

Meaning: Holika Dahan should be performed on the full moon (Purnima) of the month of Phalguna. The full moon prevailing during the evening (night period) is to be accepted. Holika should be lit during the night of Purnima.

On this same day, from 5:18 PM until 4:56 AM (late night), Bhadra prevails in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha). The scriptures further clarify:

“Pradosha vyapini grahya paurnima phalguni sada. Tasyam bhadramukham tyaktva pujya Holi nisha mukhe.”

Meaning: When Bhadra is present on Phalguna Purnima, Holika Dahan should be performed during the Pradosh period. If Bhadra is operative, one should avoid the ‘mouth’ (inauspicious portion) of Bhadra and conduct the ritual during the auspicious night phase.

After comprehensive analysis, the appropriate time is determined to be between 12:50 AM and 2:02 AM on the night of Monday, 2 March 2026. Thus, Holika Dahan will be performed within this time window.

Vasantotsav (Festival of Colors)

Regarding the playing of colors, the Bhavishya Purana states that Vasantotsav should be observed on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, and that Pratipada must be accepted during the Udaya Kala (sunrise period).

Chaitra Krishna Pratipada begins on 3 March (Tuesday) at 4:33 PM and ends on 4 March at 4:15 PM. Since the sunrise falls on 4 March (Wednesday) during this tithi, Dharma Shastras designate 4 March 2026 as the appropriate day for playing colors (Rangotsav).

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Lunar Eclipse

In Vikram Samvat 2082 (corresponding to 2025–26 in the Gregorian calendar), two lunar eclipses will be visible in India.

The second lunar eclipse will occur on Phalguna Shukla Purnima, 3 March 2026 (Tuesday). According to Indian Standard Time:

• Eclipse begins: 3:20 PM

• Maximum: 5:04 PM

• Ends (Moksha): 6:45 PM

The beginning of this eclipse will not be visible in India. The concluding phase (Moksha) will be visible only from the far eastern regions of India, while the rest of the country will not observe the eclipse.

Sutak Period

According to Dharma Shastras:

• Sutak for lunar eclipse: 9 hours prior

• Sutak for solar eclipse: 12 hours prior

During Sutak, eating is considered prohibited. If food must be preserved for later consumption, placing Tulsi leaves in it is believed to protect it from harmful radiation or negative effects associated with the eclipse.

The scriptures state:

“Surya grahe tu nashniyat purva yama chatushtayam.

Chandra grahe tu yamastrin bala vriddha turair vina.”

Meaning: Except for children, the elderly, and the ill, others should abstain from eating during the prescribed period.

Special Care for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are advised to exercise particular caution, as it is believed that radiation during an eclipse may adversely affect the fetus. Traditionally, they are advised to remain in one place, draw a protective line around themselves using cow dung, and avoid any activity harmful to health. Eating during Sutak is prohibited.

During the eclipse, temple doors remain closed for public worship, as deities are considered ritually affected. Devotees are encouraged to engage in chanting, discipline, prayer, and to pray for the well-being of Lord Chandra (Moon). After the eclipse ends, one should bathe and perform charity and religious acts.

Astrological Impact (General Overview)

The eclipse will occur in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra in Leo (Simha). Broad effects on zodiac signs are described as follows:

• Aries: Cause for concern

• Taurus: Sorrow or distress

• Gemini: Financial gain

• Cancer: Loss

• Leo: Possible betrayal by close ones

• Virgo: Harmful

• Libra: Beneficial

• Scorpio: Pleasant

• Sagittarius: Loss of honor

• Capricorn: Physical suffering

• Aquarius: Distress related to women

• Pisces: Comforting or pleasant

Concluding Note

This year, Purnima, Holika Dahan, partial lunar eclipse, Simhastha Bhadra, and Vasantotsav coincide, prompting many scholars and well-wishers to seek clarification. The above explanation resolves those queries.

The New Vikram Samvat will begin from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. In the coming New Year, I shall present the annual horoscope and political-economic forecast for the nation.

Heartfelt wishes to all citizens on the occasion of Vasantotsav.