Kamal Ghorui
Holika Dahan is also known as Choti Holi. This is celebrated a day before Dhulandi. The day holds a great religious and spiritual significance. For Hindus, it is one of the most auspicious days since it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. On this day, people pray to Lord Vishnu because he saved Prahalad from Hiranyakashipu. This year, Holika Dahan is going to be celebrated on Purnima Tithi in the month of Phalguna i.e., March 3, 2026.
Holika Dahan 2026 : Date and Time
| Tithi | Date and Time |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | March 2, 2026 – 05:55 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | March 3, 2026 – 05:07 PM |
| Bhadra Punchha | March 3, 2026 – 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM |
| Bhadra Mukha | March 3, 2026 – 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM |
| Holika Dahan Muhurta | March 3, 2026 – 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM |
Holika Dahan 2026: Significance
1. Victory of good over evil
According to the Hindu scriptures, Hiranyakashyap tried to kill his own son Prahalad because he was the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. When Holika Dahan attempted to kill Prahald, believing that she would be safe and that Prahlad would burn, she put Prahalad on her lap in the middle of a raging fire. However, she burned to death, and Prahalad survived because Lord Vishnu was watching out for him. The triumph over evil is symbolized on this day.
2. Burning of Negativity
Devotees should burn their ego, anger, jealousy, negative karma and their sins in bonfire. This will purify their body, mind and soul.
Holika Dahan 2026: Importance of Bhadra Kaal
According to Vedic astrology, Bhadra is considered an inauspicious period and one should avoid performing rituals during Bhadra kaal. Performing Holika Dahan can bring obstacles and negative karma so people should not perform puja to Holika during Bhaadra time. People commemorate this day with great joy and zeal, spending time with their loved ones. This day honors the victory of right over wrong. Hindu communities all around the world celebrate this event, which is the most vibrant and cheerful. The holiday is enthusiastically observed even by those who do not reside in India. The main goals of this celebration are to bring joy, peace, and fresh starts to everyone.
Worshipping of Kshetrapaal:
Worshipping Kshetrapal on this auspicious day is extremely important. Kshetrapaal ji the manifestation of Bhairav, who protects the area you live and your home. Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Kalashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti are the days, when he should be worshipped with immense devotion and purity. He is believed to protect the devotees, who worship him with devotion. It is mandatory to light a mustard oil four faced diya near the holika or bonfire along with home made sweets – malpua, poode, or semoline halwa.
