Holika Dahan 2026: Date, Lunar Eclipse, Bhadra Kaal & Rituals Explained

Holika Dahan 2026 will be celebrated on March 3, 2026, on the night before Holi. This year, it falls on Falgun Purnima, and it also coincides with a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse), making the timing significant and special. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with a bonfire that symbolizes burning away negativity.

Exact Date of Holika Dahan in 2026

In 2026, Holika Dahan will take place on March 3. People across India will light the Holika fire in the evening after sunset. Since the festival comes on Purnima (full moon night) in the month of Falgun, it naturally aligns with the major Hindu festival of Holi. But this time, a lunar eclipse occurs on the same day, which may change some traditional practices.

The Holika Dahan ceremony is usually held after sunset and before midnight. Devotees gather wood and put it in a pile to burn, worshipping Lord Vishnu and chanting mantras of protection.

Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) on Holika Dahan

A unique feature of Holika Dahan this year is the lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. Ahaan eclipse falls during Purnima, which many devotees consider a powerful spiritual moment. Lunar eclipses are linked to special purity rules in Hindu tradition.

The eclipse will happen after sunset, so it overlaps with Holika Dahan timing. Many people take a holy bath before the eclipse and fast before performing rituals. During the eclipse, temples may close worship for a short while. After the eclipse, people often bathe again before completing puja.

In some traditions, chanting prayers while facing the moon after the eclipse is considered especially favorable.

Bhadra Kaal and Auspicious Time

According to the Hindu calendar, specific time periods are seen as either favorable or unfavorable on festival days. In 2026, Bhadra Kaal may fall around late evening. This time is not considered good for starting important rituals, so people wait until the Bhadra period is over.

The auspicious time to perform Holika Dahan rituals is usually after sunset and once Bhadra Kaal has passed. People consult local panchang or temple priests for exact Bhadra timings as they vary by city. Faithful followers often use these timings to ensure correct worship and blessings.

Why Holika Dahan Is Celebrated

Holika Dahan is rooted in a famous legend from Hindu mythology about Prahlad and his evil aunt Holika. Prahlad was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, even though his father, King Hiranyakashipu, opposed him. Holika, who was blessed with a fireproof boon, tried to kill Prahlad by sitting with him in a blazing fire. But due to divine protection, Prahlad survived and Holika burned instead.

This story is remembered every year through Holika Dahan. Lighting the bonfire is a symbolic way of burning away fear, anger, jealousy, and negativity. It is a reminder that faith and goodness always win in the end.

How Holika Dahan Rituals Are Performed

On the night of Holika Dahan, families gather wood, dried cow dung, and kindling. They create a small pyre and decorate it with flowers and leaves. Many people place idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu near the fire.

Devotees light the fire with prayers and chant mantras, asking for protection, health, and prosperity for their family. Children often enjoy the festive atmosphere, dancing and singing around the fire.

In some regions, people break a coconut near the fire before lighting it. After the fire burns out, people collect the ashes and keep them at home as a sign of protection.

Holika Dahan and Holi Celebration

Holika Dahan marks the beginning of the Holi festival, which is celebrated with colors the next day. After Holika Dahan night, friends and families gather to play with colors, eat traditional sweets, and share happiness.

Despite the lunar eclipse, many devotees still follow the tradition with adjustments in rituals and timing. Community events and temple programs may be held post-eclipse in many areas.

Tips for Devotees on Holika Dahan 2026

Since Holika Dahan 2026 coincides with a lunar eclipse, devotees are advised to bathe before the eclipse if possible. Take guidance from local priests on the exact Bhadra Kaal and auspicious time. Offer prayers with a calm mind.

The symbolic fire of Holika Dahan represents burning away negative habits. Offer all negativity to the fire with hope of a better year.

This Holika Dahan will be different, meaningful, and energetic because of the rare combination of Purnima, Holi, and Chandra Grahan. The day promises blessings for many devoted hearts across India.