There is considerable confusion among people regarding the Holi festival in 2026. This year, a special conjunction of a lunar eclipse and Bhadra (an inauspicious period) is occurring during Holi, leading to differences in the dates for Holika Dahan (bonfire) and playing with colors. Different religious centers and scholars are offering varying opinions, leaving ordinary people confused about when Holi will actually be celebrated.

According to the Ujjain calendar, Holika Dahan will be performed on March 2, 2026, and Holi will be played with colors on March 3.  However, scholars from Kashi believe that while Holika Dahan will take place on the night of March 2, Holi should be celebrated on March 4. The main reason for this confusion is the total lunar eclipse occurring on the full moon of the Phalguna month.

What do the astrologers of Deoghar say?
Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, a renowned astrologer from Deoghar, clarified the situation in a conversation with a Local 18 correspondent. He explained that the first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on March 3, and its effects will be clearly visible in India. This is also the date of the full moon of the Phalguna month.

According to astrology, the tradition is to celebrate Holi with colors on the day after the full moon. Therefore, due to the eclipse on March 3, playing Holi on that day is considered inauspicious. Pandit Mudgal clearly stated that playing Holi with colors is prohibited during the eclipse period, so celebrating Holi on March 4, 2026, will be considered auspicious and appropriate according to religious scriptures.

What will be the timing of the eclipse?
He further explained that the total lunar eclipse on March 3 will begin at 3:19 PM and continue until 6:47 PM. This will be a rising lunar eclipse, meaning the eclipse will be visible at the time of the moon's rising. The moon will be completely covered for about 17 minutes, which is called the total eclipse phase.

Is playing Holi auspicious on this day?
According to astrology, the Sutak period (an inauspicious period before an eclipse) begins before the eclipse. During this time, performing prayers, auspicious activities, religious ceremonies, and rituals is considered prohibited. Therefore, people are advised to perform prayers and rituals only after the eclipse ends and after taking a purifying bath.

In summary, while the presence of Bhadra and the lunar eclipse have caused a difference in the Holi dates this year, astrologically, playing Holi on March 4, 2026, is considered the most auspicious and appropriate time.

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