Holi Puja Timing 2026: Check when you should perform Holika Dahan, rituals and mantras for pujan

Holi 2026 will be marked by Holika Dahan on the evening of March 3 and Rangwali Holi on March 4, as per the Hindu calendar. The sacred Purnima Tithi begins at 05:55 PM on March 2, 2026 and ends at 05:07 PM on March 3, 2026. The most auspicious time for Holika Dahan falls between 06:22 PM and 08:50 PM on March 3, making it the key window for devotees to perform the bonfire puja.

Holi Puja 2026 timing and shubh muhurat

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 Puja Muhurta: March 3, 2026 – 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM

Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, when people play with colours, will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.

Why Holika Dahan is important

Holika Dahan symbolises the victory of devotion and truth over evil. According to tradition, Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap, tried to kill Bhakt Prahlad. However, Prahlad was protected by Lord Vishnu and Holika was burned in the flames.

The bonfire lit on this night represents the burning away of negativity and the beginning of new hope.

Holi Puja 2026 Rituals

Many households also worship Kshetrapal, believed to be another form of Kaal Bhairav who protects the home and surroundings. Devotees light a mustard oil diya and offer halwa, poori or poode as bhog.

People visit the place where the Holika bonfire is prepared, carry an earthen four-faced diya, and offer prayers seeking protection and well-being for the family.

Holi Puja rituals step by step

Light a four-faced diya

Light a four-faced diya with mustard oil between 4 pm and 5 pm, especially for Kshetrapal worship.

Prepare offerings

Mix water with milk, turmeric, roli, wheat flour, sacred white thread, akshat, jaggery, garland, desi ghee, and incense sticks.

Parikrama of Holika

Circle the bonfire seven times, wrap it with a white sacred thread and offer water.

Offer items to the fire

Add cow dung cakes, camphor, elaichi, laung, black pepper and hawan samagri to the fire.

Apply tilak

Apply roli and haldi tilak at the bonfire site.

Light diya and incense

Light incense sticks and a diya with desi ghee during the puja.

Offer bhog

Offer homemade sweets such as halwa and malpua as prasad.

Perform final puja

Offer camphor, dried coconut, cloves and elaichi near the Holika fire and pray for prosperity and safety.

Holi Puja 2026 Mantras to chant during Holika Dahan pujan

Devotees can chant these mantras during the ritual:

"Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye"

"Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane"

"Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare"

Holika Dahan is not just a ritual bonfire. It is a reminder to let go of fear and negativity before welcoming the joy of colours the next day.

From lighting diyas to offering prayers and circling the fire, families gather together to mark the beginning of Holi, a festival that brings colour, faith and togetherness into everyday life.