Overview
- Latest guidance says the main colour-play will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 across India, aligning most public holiday plans.
- Astrologers citing Nirnay Sindhu and Hrishikesh Panchang place Holika Dahan in the early hours of March 2, roughly 12:50 am to 2:02 am.
- Drik Panchang, echoed in new Mint reporting, lists Holika Dahan on Tuesday evening, March 3, with an auspicious window from 6:22 pm to 8:50 pm.
- India Today reports a lunar eclipse on March 3 with Sutak from 6:20 am, the eclipse beginning at 3:20 pm, peaking at 5:04 pm, and ending at 6:47 pm, making that day inauspicious for festivities.
- Holi follows the Phalguna full moon and is traditionally celebrated the morning after Holika Dahan, so devotees are advised to plan rituals per their panchang and schedule colour-play for March 4.