Holika Dahan 2026

Holika Dahan 2026 is on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The tithi runs from 17:56, 2 March 2026 to 17:07, 3 March 2026.

Holika Dahan 2026 date in major cities

About Holika Dahan

Holika Dahana, is a Hindu festival in which a bonfire is lit to celebrate the burning of the demoness Holika. This ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil. It precedes Holi, the festival of colours, which celebrates the spring season. According to legend, Holika was the sister of Hiranyakashipu, who acquired a boon that rendered her invulnerable to fire. She then attempted to kill her nephew, Prahlada, by placing him on her lap in a bonfire. However, she was immolated while Prahlada was saved from the fire.

Significance

The night before Holi, pyres are burnt in Maharashtra North India, East India, Assam, Nepal, and parts of South India in keeping with this tradition. Holika Dahana marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and rejuvenation in nature, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of a fresh season. The fire is seen as a means of burning away negativity and impurities, both physical and spiritual, preparing individuals for the joy and festivities of Holi. People gather together to participate in the rituals, strengthening social ties and promoting unity within the community. In some parts of North India the day is called Holika Dahana. while in other parts like Purvanchal as well as Terai regions of Nepal it is called Sammat or Samhat.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), shortened.

Other years: Holika Dahan 2027

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Updated: 2026-10-18 · Calculated for the place shown, with Lahiri ayanamsha. How we calculate