The year 2026 brings a rare and spiritually charged coincidence that has caught the attention of devotees and astrologers alike. The festival of Holika Dahan, which traditionally falls on the night of Phalguna Purnima, coincides with a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse). Because eclipse periods carry Sutak restrictions in Hindu tradition, many people across India are confused about the correct Holika Dahan date and the right puja muhurat. Understanding the Panchang timings clearly resolves this confusion and helps devotees perform rituals at the most auspicious moment.
When is Chandra Grahan 2026?
In 2026, the Chandra Grahan will occur on Tuesday, March 3. A lunar eclipse is always associated with Sutak Kaal, which begins several hours before the eclipse and is considered inauspicious for sacred rituals, temple worship, and fire ceremonies like Holika Dahan. Because of this, Holika Dahan cannot be performed during the eclipse period on the night of March 3, even though it is the full moon night of Phalguna.
When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Holika Dahan is observed on the evening of Phalguna Purnima. In 2026, the Purnima tithi begins on March 2 at 5:55 PM and continues until March 3 at 5:07 PM. This creates a unique situation where the Purnima night overlaps with the eclipse day. Due to Sutak restrictions on March 3, Holika Dahan will mainly be observed on the evening of March 2, and in some traditions, the early morning before Sutak on March 3 is also considered valid. The festival of Rangwali Holi or Dhulendi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.
Holika Dahan Muhurat 2026 According to Panchang
The Panchang shows that Bhadra Kaal begins on March 2 at 5:58 PM and continues until March 3 at 5:30 AM. Since Holika Dahan should not be performed during Bhadra, devotees must avoid this period. This creates two possible windows. The first is before Bhadra on March 2, shortly after Purnima begins. The second, and astrologically cleaner window, is early morning on March 3 between 5:30 AM and 6:23 AM, just before Sutak begins due to the lunar eclipse. This rare early morning Holika Dahan muhurat is considered highly pure because it combines Purnima tithi without Bhadra and before Sutak.
Why Holika Dahan is Not Done on March 3 Night?t
Even though March 3 is the full moon day, the presence of Chandra Grahan changes the ritual rules. Hindu scriptures clearly state that auspicious ceremonies, yajna, and sacred fire rituals should not be performed during Sutak or eclipse periods. Since the lunar eclipse falls on the night of March 3, Holika Dahan is shifted earlier to maintain ritual purity and spiritual correctness. This is why most Panchang authorities recommend March 2 evening or the early morning window of March 3.
Best Holika Dahan Muhurat 2026
Between the available options, astrologers consider the early morning muhurat on March 3 from 5:30 AM to 6:23 AM the most precise and spiritually aligned. It falls within Purnima tithi, after Bhadra ends, and before Sutak begins. However, for practical and traditional reasons, many communities will still perform Holika Dahan on the evening of March 2 before Bhadra, as it aligns with the customary night-time observance.
The total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be visible across India and most of Asia, along with regions including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, and Antarctica. Because it coincides with Holi season, it becomes a rare celestial and cultural alignment observed worldwide.
Astrological Significance of Chandra Grahan 2026
This lunar eclipse occurs in the Leo zodiac sign within Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, which is ruled by Venus. Astrologically, this combination activates themes of love, relationships, pride, creativity, and self-expression. Leo is governed by the Sun, symbolising authority and identity, while Venus represents beauty and emotional bonds. Together, this eclipse may trigger emotional revelations, closure of past karmic ties, and a stronger urge to assert individuality and self-worth. For many people, it may mark turning points in relationships and personal confidence.
Holi 2026 Festival Dates
In 2026, Holika Dahan will be observed on the evening of March 2 or during the early morning muhurat of March 3 before Sutak. The festival of colours, Rangwali Holi or Dhulendi, will be celebrated on March 4, following the traditional sequence after Holika Dahan night.
Because Chandra Grahan and Holika Dahan coincide in 2026, the most auspicious Holika Dahan time is early morning on March 3, before 6:23 AM, or alternatively March 2 evening before Bhadra. This rare Holi-eclipse alignment makes 2026 spiritually significant, symbolising purification, karmic release, and renewal, the deeper essence of Holika Dahan itself.
Also Read: When Is Holi 2026? Holika Dahan Date, Time and Significance
