Holi 2026: Is the accurate date March 3 or March 4?

Festival of Colors Overview

In 2026, Holika Dahan (the bonfire ceremony) will take place on March 2, while Rangwali Holi (the festival of colors) will be celebrated on March 4. This difference arises from tithi calculations in the Hindu lunar calendar, where Holika Dahan occurs on the evening of the full moon tithi, followed by Rangwali Holi the next day.

Holi 2026: Accurate Date

Holika Dahan: March 2 and the early hours of March 3, 2026

Significance of Holi

Holi Celebration: March 4, 2026

Timing according to the Panchang

Holi 2026: Calendar Timing

Dates for Holi 2026

The Purnima Tithi begins on March 2 at 5:55 PM and concludes on March 3 at 5:07 PM.

The auspicious time for Holika Dahan takes place from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM during the Pradosh Kaal, necessitating the avoidance of Bhadra.

The festivities of Rangwali Holi will continue all day long on March 4th.

Celebration Traditions

Holi 2026: Significance

The festival of Holi is rooted in two main tales.

The conflict between Holika and Prahlad illustrates the victory of virtue over malevolence.

Residents of Braj observe Holi by showcasing the playful colors of Krishna and Radha, symbolizing their divine affection and joyful bond.

Holi 2026: Importance

The festivities of Holi signify the conclusion of winter and the onset of spring, fostering a sense of community among individuals. Participants adorn themselves with vibrant colors while sharing gujiya sweets and refreshing thandai, strengthening their bonds with one another.

Holi 2026: Will there be a Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) during Holi?

A complete lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is set to occur on March 3, 2026, coinciding with Holika Dahan. According to astrological traditions, people observe sutak kaal as an inauspicious period before performing rituals. Nevertheless, festivities continue as planned, with individuals taking necessary precautions for safety.

Holi 2026: Ceremonial Practices

The night of March 2nd signifies Holika Dahan, a time when individuals ignite bonfires and offer grains, coconuts, and their prayers to the flames. The celebration of Rangwali Holi takes place on March 4th, during which people partake in vibrant festivities, musical acts, and family gatherings. The outcomes of the puja are believed to be most potent when conducted during Pradosh Kaal, as it is essential to steer clear of the Bhadra periods.

Holi 2026: Auspicious Timing

The celebration of Holika Dahan is set to commence at 6:22 PM and will last until 8:50 PM on March 2nd.

The festival of Rangwali Holi is set to be observed all day long on March 4.

The festival of Holi in 2026 will be observed in two parts: Holika Dahan on March 2 and Rangwali Holi on March 4.

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The limited sunlight that reaches the Moon first passes through Earth’s atmosphere, where it is bent and refracted, resulting in a reddish, rusty tint on the lunar surface.

What is a Blood Moon

This is the reason it’s referred to as a ‘blood Moon’ during a lunar eclipse.

The lunar eclipse cannot be observed from Europe or Africa, and is most effectively viewed in the western parts of North America, along with the eastern regions of Asia and Australia.

Essential tips for observing the blood moon in the UK

Viewing Tips for the Eclipse

In general, if you are located in the western regions, the lunar eclipse will be visible from midnight on March 2 until the early hours of March 3.

If you’re situated in the eastern regions of the globe, you’ll witness the lunar eclipse during the evening of March 3.

In certain areas, the Moon might already be in eclipse as it ascends above the horizon, or it could dip below the horizon midway through the event!

Best Locations in the UK

The Moon might already be in the shadow of an eclipse as it ascends, depending on your location. This illustration depicts the phases of the lunar eclipse occurring on September 8, 2025, as seen from Brisbane, Australia. Image credit: Taran Sohal

This implies that timing is crucial, as what you observe will vary based on your geographical location.

If the Moon is either rising or setting during its eclipse from your viewpoint, ensure you have a flat and unobstructed horizon to observe as much of the blood moon as possible.

Understanding Lunar Eclipses

Here are the important dates and times for the lunar eclipse occurring on March 3, 2026, in the major cities that will witness it.

We have included cities from the United States and Canada, along with top locations in East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Totality occurs when the Moon starts to take on a reddish hue, followed by the ‘peak’ of the blood Moon, and it concludes as the crimson tint fades from the lunar surface.

No matter where you are watching from, aim to start observing 30 to 60 minutes in advance. This will allow you to find the spot where the Moon will rise and make any necessary last-minute adjustments to your location!

Cities in the West that will experience a morning eclipse

The blood moon event will occur at various times across different cities. In Los Angeles, it starts at 03:04 PST, peaks at 03:33 PST, and concludes at 04:03 PST. Mexico City will experience it from 05:04 CST to 06:03 CST, with the peak at 05:33 CST. Chicago shares the same timings as Mexico City. Lima will see the event starting at 06:04 PET and ending at 06:10 PET, but there is no peak time listed. In Detroit, the timings are 06:04 EST for the start, 06:33 EST for the peak, and 07:03 EST for the end. Toronto, Washington DC, and New York all have identical timings: starting at 06:04 EST, peaking at 06:33 EST, and ending at 07:03 EST. Montreal’s timings are 06:04 EST for the start and 06:33 EST for the peak, with no end time provided.

Cities in the east that will experience a nighttime eclipse

The blood moon event will start in various cities at different times. In New Delhi, it begins at –:– and peaks at 17:32 IST, concluding at –:–. Bangkok will see it starting at 18:04 ICT, peaking at 18:33 ICT, and ending at 19:03 ICT. In Beijing, the event starts at 19:04 CST, peaks at 19:33 CST, and wraps up at 20:03 CST. Perth will experience it from 19:04 AWST to 20:03 AWST, with the peak at 19:33 AWST. Tokyo’s timings are 20:04 JST for the start, peaking at 20:33 JST, and ending at 21:03 JST. Brisbane will observe it starting at 21:04 AEST, peaking at 21:33 AEST, and finishing at 22:03 AEST. In Adelaide, the event begins at 21:34 ACDT, peaks at 22:03 ACDT, and concludes at 22:33 ACDT. Sydney will see it starting at 22:04 AEDT, peaking at 22:33 AEDT, and ending at 23:03 AEDT. Melbourne shares the same timings as Sydney. Finally, Auckland will witness the blood moon starting at 00:04 NZDT, peaking at 00:33 NZDT, and finishing at 01:03 NZDT.

If you are able to witness or capture the lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, from your area, please reach out and share your thoughts or send us your photos by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.

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