Choti Holi 2026: Date, Significance, and Celebration Details

Choti Holi, or Holika Dahan, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the evening of Phalguna Purnima. This year, it falls on March 2, 2026. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, with rituals including the burning of Holika and prayers to Lord Vishnu. Confusion about the date is common, but this article clarifies the auspicious timings and cultural significance of the celebration. Join in the festivities and learn about the rituals that make Choti Holi a cherished occasion across the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 10:56 IST

Choti Holi 2026 Date and Significance

Choti Holi 2026 Date: Holika Dahan, commonly referred to as Choti Holi, takes place on the evening of Phalguna Purnima, which is the night preceding Holi, the vibrant festival of colors. This significant Hindu festival is celebrated with immense joy and marks the triumph of good over evil. On this day, devotees honor Lord Vishnu and, as night falls, they ignite Holika, offering prayers and extending Holi wishes to family and friends. There has been some confusion regarding the date of Holika Dahan this year, but we are here to clarify it for you.

March Purnima 2026: Key Dates

March Purnima 2026: Date and Time
Purnima Tithi Starts – Monday, March 2, 5:55 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends – Tuesday, March 3, 5:07 PM
The Phalguna Purnima day, which falls during the Pradosh period and is devoid of Bhadra, is deemed the most favorable time for Holika Dahan. The full moon date lasts until 5:07 AM on March 3rd, but since Phalguna Purnima extends throughout Pradoshkaal, it is observed on March 2nd. Thus, conducting Holika Dahan on Monday, March 2nd, is considered highly auspicious.

Holika Dahan Timing

When is Holika Dahan?
As previously mentioned, Holika Dahan can be conducted on March 2nd without the full moon date or between 5:30 AM and 6:23 AM on March 3rd. The festival will be celebrated across Braj, including Mathura and Vrindavan, on March 2nd. The actual Holi festivities will occur on the Pratipada date of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, which this year falls on March 4th.

Bhadra Kaal on Chhoti Holi

Bhadra Kaal on Chhoti Holi
Bhadra Kaal begins – Monday, March 2, at 5:58 PM
Bhadra Kaal ends – Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30 AM
On March 2, Bhadra Mukha will be from 2:38 AM to 4:34 AM. Therefore, it is auspicious to perform Holika Dahan on March 2.

Lunar Eclipse on March 3

Lunar Eclipse on March 3
While Holika Dahan will take place in various locations on March 3, it coincides with a lunar eclipse. This eclipse will start at 3:20 PM and conclude at 6:47 PM, and the full moon date will also end before that.

Cultural Significance of Holi

Why is Holi celebrated?
Chhoti Holi holds immense religious importance in Hinduism. According to tradition, Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, received a boon that made her immune to fire. However, she was ultimately consumed by flames while her nephew Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was saved by divine intervention. This day is seen as a time to eliminate evil forces. Holika Dahan is celebrated with fires lit in various locations during the evening, where people perform puja and then burn Holika.

Holika Dahan Rituals

Holika Dahan Puja Vidhi
Typically, Holi is celebrated in February or March during the month of Phalgun. Holika Dahan should not occur during the Bhadra period. Families and friends gather to perform puja together. The sacred fire represents the destruction of evil forces, such as Holika. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu with sincerity and recite powerful mantras around the fire. Offerings such as dry coconut, cloves, black pepper, camphor, green cardamom, havan samagri, yellow mustard seeds, lotus seeds, and unbroken rice grains are made into the fire. Choti Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm nationwide, as people come together with family, friends, and neighbors for Holika Dahan and to circle the fire. This day symbolizes the victory of good over evil and righteousness over wrongdoing.

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