Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations in India. From bustling cities to quiet towns, the entire country comes alive in vibrant hues, music, and festive cheer. The celebrations begin with Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi, when families gather around a bonfire symbolising the victory of good over evil and the end of winter.

On Holi, streets fill with laughter as people smear gulal, splash colours, dance to lively music, and share festive delicacies like gujiya and thandai. The spirit of togetherness defines the day, as friends, families, and neighbours come together to celebrate.

Holi 2026 promises to be just as grand. From vibrant community gatherings and Holi parties to intimate celebrations at home, people across the country will celebrate it in their own special way. Read on to know everything about Holi 2026, including key dates, traditions, and essential safety tips.

Holi 2026 will be celebrated on 4th March 2026, marking the arrival of spring. It is typically celebrated on the last full moon of Phalgun, the lunar month. A day before Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalgun. This year, the Holika Dahan muhurat will begin on the evening of 2nd March and will continue till 3rd March. 

However, due to the rare lunar eclipse on 3rd March, Holika Dahan will be observed on 2nd March. That's because no auspicious event is held during a lunar eclipse or during the Sutak period. Purnima tithi this year will be as follows:

• Purnima tithi starts at 05:55 PM on 2nd March 2026

• Purnima tithi ends at 05:07 PM on 3rd March 2026

• Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on 4th March throughout the day

Note: Sutak Kaal will begin at 6:23 AM on 3rd March. Those willing to celebrate Holika Dahan on 3rd March can do so between 5:30 AM and 6:23 AM. This one-hour window falls within Purnima tithi and outside Bhadra Kaal, making it suitable for the ritual.

Holi is one of the most colourful festivals in Hinduism. People across India celebrate this festival with all their hearts. It marks the victory of good over evil. 

On Holika Dahan, people burn away past negativity and make way for joyful celebrations the next day. It is a day of throwing colours and celebrating together with love, peace, and unity. The essence of the day is to love, forgive, and start afresh.

Why is Holi Celebrated?

Story of Prahlad and Holika

Holi, a colourful and lively festival, is all about the triumph of good over evil. The festival honours the story of Prahlada, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father, Hiranyakashipu, demanded to be worshipped as a god and tried to kill Prahlada for his dedication to Lord Vishnu.

Hiranyakashipu, together with his sister Holika, who was immune to fire, planned to set Prahlad on fire to test the his faith. Lord Vishnu, witnessing Prahlad's devotion even in his despair, appeared as Lord Narasimha to save him. Holika was burnt to ashes by the divine fire, while Hiranyakashipu met his end in the hands of the Narasimha Avatar.

The Holika Dahan ritual commemorates this triumph   

Connection to spring and harvest

Holi is also celebrated to welcome the end of winter, the advent of warmer days, and the blooming of flowers. It also coincides with the harvest season, which symbolises a good harvest and prosperity.

The lighting of the sacred bonfire marks the celebrations of Holika Dahan. The fire symbolises the burning of evil and negativity. It also commemorates Prahlad's victory over the evil of Holika and Hiranyakashipu.

Traditionally, people collect wood in advance for this day. Grains, coconut, and sweets are typically offered to the fire while praying. Devotees walk around the bonfire, seeking blessings, protection, and cleansing of the past evils. In the end, people give each other happy Holi wishes.

India, being a colourful country, has different ways of celebrating Holi. Some of the popular ways of celebrating Holi in India are:

Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan

Holi has immense religious value and is also associated with Lord Krishna. The temples in Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate Holi with devotional songs and vibrant colours. Devotees gather in large numbers and share sweets such as gujiya and thandai. Throughout the festivities, the mood is a blend of devotion, celebration, and strong community bonding.

Lathmar Holi in Barsana

Lathmar Holi is an old tradition in which women hit men with sticks in a friendly way, recounting Krishna's teasing of Radha and her friends. Men protect themselves while the audience cheers. The sky is filled with colours; people share sweets and thandai, and the whole neighbourhood gathers in high spirits, making the festival an unforgettable experience.

Holi in Rajasthan and Delhi

Besides colour play and delicious festival foods like gujiya and thandai, Rajasthan also features royal processions and cultural performances that add to the grandeur of Holi. In Delhi, the festivities witness music parties and community gatherings in local parks and societies. Here, people play with colours, and some people enjoy modern parties. 

Some cities in India are quite popular for Holi celebrations. If you are planning something unique this Holi, visiting these places can be a great experience:

• Mathura & Vrindavan: For temple processions, grand celebrations, and vibrant festivities

• Barsana and Nandgaon:Famous for the stick-play of Lathmar Holi
• Delhi & Jaipur/Udaipur (Rajasthan): Grand community celebrations, modern parties, and big events

Safety Tips for Travelers:

Here are some of the Holi tips for travellers:

• Drink plenty of water, use herbal colours, protect your eyes/skin, and stay away from very crowded or unsafe places.

• Respecting local culture and obeying the police are also crucial.

Booking Buses/Trains:

Hotels, buses, and trains are pretty common during Holi. So, one should book travel tickets in advance to secure seats. On redBus, you can easily book bus tickets without any hassle.

Government Holiday Status:

Holi (Rangwali Holi) will be a public holiday in India on March 4, 2026. Most schools and offices will remain closed on 4th March 2026.

While Holi is quite fun and full of joy, it is equally important to follow safety guidelines. Here are some tips to help you protect your skin and hair during Holi 2026:

• Skin and Hair Care

You may apply a layer of coconut oil or moisturiser on the skin to protect it from colour stains.Treat your hair to a nourishing oil massage, and keep it tied to prevent breakage and dryness. Wear long-sleeved clothes and sunglasses to shield your skin and eyes.

• Choose Safe Colours

Use herbal or organic colours instead of chemical-based ones. Avoid using unknown Holi colours as they may cause allergies or irritation. People must also refrain from forcibly applying colours to others.

• Take Precautions in the Crowd

Enjoy celebrating with popular groups, but try to avoid very crowded places. Always remember to take care of your belongings and keep an eye on your surroundings. Check out local laws and make sure kids are always with an adult.