Holi 2026
Major FestivalWednesday, 4 March 2026 New Delhi
Holi 2026 · New Delhi
| Date | Weekday | Special name |
|---|---|---|
| 4 March 2026 | Wednesday | — |
Holi — Significance
Holi is the Festival of Colors, celebrating spring, love, and the victory of devotion (Bhakti) over ego. It brings communities together in play and forgiveness.
Holi — Mythology & Legend
As narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, the demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son Prahlad for worshipping Vishnu. Holika, who had a boon to resist fire, sat with Prahlad in a pyre, but Vishnu saved Prahlad and Holika was consumed. The burning of Holika is re-enacted as Holika Dahan the night before Rangwali Holi.
Holi — Rituals & Puja Vidhi
- On the eve, at dusk, light the Holika bonfire and circumambulate it.
- Offer grains and coconut to the fire; pray for the destruction of evil.
- On the day of Holi, apply oil to skin and hair before playing.
- Play with natural colored powder and water; visit family and friends.
- Share gujiya and thandai; sing and dance in groups.
Holi — Mantras & Prayers
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu/Krishna)
Holi — Traditional Foods
- Gujiya
- Thandai
- Malpua
- Dahi Vada
- Puri
- Papri
Holi — Regional celebrations
- North India (होली)
- Large public celebrations with colors
- Braj (लठमार होली)
- Lathmar Holi (playful stick fight)
- Bengal (দোলযাত্রা)
- Dol Jatra with songs and processions
Holi — Do / Don't
Do
- Use natural or safe colors
- Wear old clothes
- Apply oil to skin and hair
- Stay hydrated
- Seek consent before applying color
Don't
- Avoid harsh chemical colors
- Do not force color on strangers
- Avoid wasting water
Holi — FAQ
- What is Holi?
- Holi is the Festival of Colors, celebrating spring, love, and the victory of devotion (Bhakti) over ego.
- When is Holi 2026?
- In 2026, Holi falls on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
- What are the Holi puja rituals?
- On the eve, at dusk, light the Holika bonfire and circumambulate it.; Offer grains and coconut to the fire; pray for the destruction of evil.; On the day of Holi, apply oil to skin and hair before playing.; Play with natural colored powder and water; visit family and friends.
- What to eat on Holi?
- Gujiya, Thandai, Malpua, Dahi Vada, Puri
- What should you do on Holi?
- Use natural or safe colors; Wear old clothes; Apply oil to skin and hair
- What should you avoid on Holi?
- Avoid harsh chemical colors; Do not force color on strangers; Avoid wasting water