Significance of Holika Dahan and Lunar Eclipse in 2026
Understanding Holika Dahan and Its Timing
People eagerly anticipate Holika Dahan, a festival that represents the triumph of good over evil, celebrated on the full moon day of Phalgun. In 2026, this occasion will be particularly unique as it coincides with a lunar eclipse, a rare event occurring after a century. This year, both Holika Dahan and the vibrant festival of Holi will be overshadowed by the eclipse. Astrological traditions dictate that the Sutak period, a time when worship and rituals are forbidden, will commence nine hours prior to the eclipse. During this time, temple doors are closed, and religious ceremonies are not permitted. Let’s explore how the celebrations for Holika Dahan and Holi will unfold.
Impact of the Lunar Eclipse
The first lunar eclipse of 2026 is set to occur on March 3, starting at 3:20 PM and concluding at 6:47 PM. According to astrological predictions, the Sutak period will begin at 6:20 AM, lasting until the eclipse ends. This eclipse, which will last for 3 hours and 27 minutes, will be visible for about 30 to 35 minutes during moonrise across various regions in India, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the northeastern states. It is believed that temple doors remain closed during the eclipse, and performing puja is considered inappropriate.
Holika Dahan is traditionally celebrated on Falgun Purnima, with the auspicious time for the ritual falling between 6:48 AM and 8:50 AM on March 3. Some calendars suggest that the ritual can also take place during the Pradosh period, starting at 5:56 AM on March 2. However, Bhadra will be present on March 2, which is a significant consideration for the timing of Holika Dahan.
While Holika Dahan is observed on Falgun Purnima, the overlapping of Bhadra on March 2 and the lunar eclipse on March 3 has led to confusion regarding the timing of the puja. Haridwar-based astrologer Pandit Pratik Mishra shared insights on when to conduct Holi puja, emphasizing that Holika Dahan should occur during the Bhadra-free period, as women perform this ritual for the well-being and prosperity of their families. The unique occurrence of Bhadra on March 2 and the lunar eclipse on March 3 has raised questions among devotees.
Astrologer Pandit Pratik Mishra noted that some calendars allow for Holika Dahan to be performed on March 2 during Bhadra, while others recommend waiting until after the lunar eclipse on March 3. Both perspectives can coexist. If such a scenario arises, Holika Dahan can indeed be conducted during Bhadra. Additionally, it can be performed during the Pradosh Kaal the following day, immediately after the eclipse concludes. If the full moon date extends beyond the eclipse, the benefits of Holika Dahan are maximized.
According to Pandit Pratik Mishra, such occurrences are infrequent. This year, performing Holika Dahan under the influence of Bhadra will not incur any negative consequences. The full moon date will commence at 5:56 PM on March 2 and continue until 5:07 PM on March 3. Given that Bhadra will be present on the night of March 2, and March 3 marks the Udaya Tithi of the full moon, major calendars suggest that Holika Dahan can safely be performed after the Sutak period concludes on March 3. Although the full moon date may have technically ended, the day will still be recognized as the Udaya Tithi.
Holika Dahan can be conducted in both scenarios, but women will need to perform Holi puja a day earlier, on March 2, due to the Sutak period starting at 6:20 AM on March 3, which will last until the lunar eclipse concludes.