Holi 2026: Date, Significance, Braj Celebrations & Best Places to Visit

Holi 2026 is one of the most awaited festivals of the year, celebrated with colors, devotion, music, and joy across India. Known as the festival of colors, Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. From traditional rituals like Holika Dahan to grand celebrations in Braj Bhoomi, Holi promises vibrant cultural experiences.

Holi 2026

Holi 2026 will be celebrated across India in early March. The festival includes two main parts: Holika Dahan (the sacred bonfire) and Rangwali Holi (the festival of colors). Every year, people eagerly search for Holi 2026 date details to plan travel, events, and family gatherings.

Holi 2026 is expected to draw large crowds, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, and other major cities known for grand celebrations.

Holi 2026 Date in India

If you are wondering when is Holi in 2026, the festival will be celebrated in the first week of March 2026.

Key Dates & Rituals

• Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi): March 3, 2026.

  • Purnima Tithi Begins: 5:55 PM on March 2.

  • Purnima Tithi Ends: 5:07 PM on March 3.

  • Holika Dahan Muhurat: Generally between 6:22 PM and 8:50 PM on March 3, ideally after the lunar eclipse ends at 6:47 PM.

• Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi): March 4, 2026. This is the main day for playing with colours, water, and gulaal.

Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Information

The total lunar eclipse on March 3 will be visible in parts of India. 

• Eclipse Duration: From approximately 3:20 PM to 6:47 PM IST.

• Sutak Kaal: Religious activities and fire rituals are traditionally avoided during this period, starting roughly 9 hours before the eclipse (around 6:20 AM) and ending when the eclipse concludes.

Special Regional Celebrations

The Braj region begins its famous festivities much earlier: 

• Laddu Holi (Barsana): February 25, 2026.

• Lathmar Holi (Barsana/Nandgaon): February 26–27, 2026.

• Phoolon ki Holi (Vrindavan): February 28, 2026. on 4 Mar 2026.

What is Holi?

What is Holi? Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated with colors, sweets, music, and community gatherings. It represents:

• Victory of good over evil

• Arrival of spring

• Love of Radha and Krishna

• Social harmony and forgiveness

History Behind the Festival of Holi

The history of Holi dates back to ancient Hindu scriptures. The most famous story associated with Holi is that of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, survived the fire meant to destroy him, symbolizing the triumph of devotion over evil.

Another important connection of Holi 2026 celebrations is with Lord Krishna and Radha. In Braj Bhoomi, Holi reflects Krishna’s playful leelas with the Gopis, making it deeply spiritual and culturally rich.

Holika Dahan and Holi Date

Holika Dahan takes place on the night before Rangwali Holi. Bonfires are lit to symbolize burning negativity and evil tendencies.

For 2026 Holi Date:

• Holika Dahan will be performed during the auspicious evening muhurat on 3 Mar 2026.

• The next day marks Rangon Ki Holi (festival of colors) on 4 Mar 2026.

Why Celebrate Holi in Braj Bhoomi?

Celebrating Holi in Braj Bhoomi (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon) is considered the most authentic and spiritually enriching experience.

Reasons to celebrate Holi in Braj:

• Birthplace of Lord Krishna

• Unique temple traditions

• Phoolon Ki Holi (Flower Holi)

• Lathmar Holi in Barsana

• Traditional bhajans and kirtans

Braj Bhoomi Holi 2026 Timings and Schedule

Holi 2026 celebrations in Braj usually begin days before the main Holi date.

The Braj ki Holi includes multiple events:

• Barsana Laddu Holi in Sriji Temple – 24th Feb 2026, Tuesday

• Barsana Lathmar Holi (Main Holi Barsana ) – 25th Feb 2026, Wednesday

• Nandgaon Lathmar Holi – 26th Feb 2026, Thursday

• Holi in Vrindavan and Banke Bihari Temple (Rangbharni Ekadashi) – 27th Feb 2026, Friday

• Mathura Holi at Krishna Janmabhoomi (Birthplace of Lord Krishna) – 27th Feb 2026, Friday

• Phoolon Ki Holi at Bankey Bihari Temple – 28 Feb 2026

• Holika Dahan (Holi Fire) – 3th March 2026, Tuesday

• Dhulandi Holi (Colorful Water Holi in Brij) – 4th March 2026, Wednesday

Famous Types of Holi Culture in India During Holi 2026

India celebrates Holi in diverse ways:

• Lathmar Holi (Uttar Pradesh)

• Phoolon Ki Holi (Vrindavan)

• Royal Holi (Rajasthan)

• Shantiniketan Holi (West Bengal – Basant Utsav)

• Hola Mohalla (Punjab)

Best Places to Visit During Holi 2026 in India

If you are planning travel for Holi 2026, consider:

1. Mathura & Vrindavan – Spiritual and traditional Holi

2. Barsana & Nandgaon – Lathmar Holi

3. Delhi – Modern and devotional Holi events

4. Jaipur & Udaipur – Royal celebrations

5. Shantiniketan – Cultural Holi