Holika Dahan 2026: date and timings
Holika Dahan is on Tuesday, 3 March, 2026. Purnima runs from 6:01 pm, 2 Mar to 5:13 pm, 3 Mar.
About Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is the bonfire on Phalguna Purnima that recalls Prahlada's protection by Lord Vishnu and the burning of Holika. In the Telugu states it is also called Kamuni Punnami. Holi, the festival of colours, is played the next morning.
How the timing is decided
The bonfire is lit after sunset in Pradosh kaal while Purnima prevails, avoiding Bhadra. When Bhadra covers the evening, panchangams give a specific muhurat, so confirm the exact time locally.
What to do
- Light the Holika bonfire at the local muhurat
- Walk around the fire and offer grains
- Play Holi colours the next morning
Holika Dahan 2026 muhurat by city
Purnima runs from 6:01 pm, 2 Mar to 5:13 pm, 3 Mar (Indian Standard Time).
| City | Date | Timing | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:23 pm |
| Delhi | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:22 pm |
| Mumbai | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:44 pm |
| Chennai | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:18 pm |
| Bengaluru | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:28 pm |
| Kolkata | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 5:40 pm |
| Vijayawada | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:14 pm |
| Visakhapatnam | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:03 pm |
| Pune | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:41 pm |
| Ahmedabad | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:43 pm |
| Jaipur | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:28 pm |
| Lucknow | 3 Mar | Confirm the local muhurat | 6:08 pm |
Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes, so for a vrata or homam confirm the exact muhurat with your purohit.
Also on Tuesday, 3 March in Vijayawada
- Rahu Kalam3:17 pm to 4:45 pm
- Sunrise and sunset6:24 am and 6:14 pm
- Moonrise and moonsetMoonrise 6:13 pm, moonset 6:08 am
- Tithi at sunrisePurnima
- NakshatraMagha
Holika Dahan 2026 Choghadiya in Vijayawada
Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Holika Dahan from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.
| Time | Choghadiya | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 6:24 am to 7:52 am | Rog | Avoid |
| 7:52 am to 9:21 am | Udveg | Avoid |
| 9:21 am to 10:50 am | Char | Weak |
| 10:50 am to 12:19 pm | Labh | Good |
| 12:19 pm to 1:48 pm | Amrit | Good |
| 1:48 pm to 3:17 pm | Kaal | Avoid |
| 3:17 pm to 4:45 pm | Shubh | Good |
| 4:45 pm to 6:14 pm | Rog | Avoid |
| 6:14 pm to 7:45 pm (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
| 7:45 pm to 9:16 pm (night) | Labh | Good |
| 9:16 pm to 10:48 pm (night) | Udveg | Avoid |
| 10:48 pm to 12:19 am (night) | Shubh | Good |
| 12:19 am to 1:50 am (night) | Amrit | Good |
| 1:50 am to 3:21 am (night) | Char | Weak |
| 3:21 am to 4:52 am (night) | Rog | Avoid |
| 4:52 am to 6:23 am (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
Questions people ask
When is Holika Dahan in 2026?
Holika Dahan is on Tuesday, 3 March, 2026.
Why is Holika Dahan celebrated?
Holika Dahan is the bonfire on Phalguna Purnima that recalls Prahlada's protection by Lord Vishnu and the burning of Holika. In the Telugu states it is also called Kamuni Punnami.