Holi 2026: Will Holika burn in Bhadra? See the auspicious time of Dahan and timing of Sutak

By Sandy Verma On Feb 27, 2026

This year, there is a lot of confusion in the minds of devotees regarding Holi, one of the biggest festivals of Hindu religion. A rare and challenging combination of Bhadra and Khagras lunar eclipse is taking place on Holi in the year 2026. According to the Panchang, this time on Phalgun Purnima, not only will there be the shadow of Bhadra, but the first lunar eclipse of the year is also going to occur on the very next day. In such a situation, it has become very important to follow the rules of the scriptures regarding Holika Dahan and Dhulandi (Holi with colors).

Phalgun Purnima date and Bhadra time

According to Panchang calculations, the beginning of the full moon date of Phalgun month. March 02 at 5:55 pm and ends with March 03 at 5:07 pm will be on. Bhadra will also become active as soon as the full moon day begins. Bhadra started from 5:55 pm on March 02 March 03 at 5:28 am Will last till. According to astrology, this time Bhadra resides on the earth, which is considered inauspicious. The time of Bhadra head and tail will also continue till the early hours of March 3.

Auspicious time and rules of Holika Dahan

According to the scriptures, Holika Dahan should always be done during ‘Bhadra-free’ Pradosh period. Since Bhadra is starting from the evening of 2nd March, scholars are of the opinion that it would be best to worship as per the rituals during Pradosh Kaal. Burning is completely prohibited during Bhadra Mukha (03 March, 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM). The best and auspicious time for Holika Dahan is considered to be the one which is free from Bhadra and is in accordance with the rules of Pradosh Kaal.

Shadow of lunar eclipse and Sutak period on Holi

Holi with colors i.e. the first of this year on 3rd March khagras lunar eclipse It’s going to take. According to Indian time, this eclipse Starting from 03:19 PM to 6:47 PM Will last till. During the eclipse, there will be a state of complete eclipse (complete covering of the Moon) for about 17 minutes.

According to religious beliefs, Sutak period starts 9 hours before the lunar eclipse. During the Sutak period, any kind of auspicious work, worship or touching of the idol is prohibited. In such a situation, religious restrictions will come into effect from noon on the day of Dhulandi.

Important information related to Sutak period and eclipse:

Eclipse begins: March 3, 2026, 03:19 pm.
Eclipse ends: March 3, 2026, 06:47 pm.
Sutak period: Starts 9 hours before the eclipse begins (prohibition on auspicious activities from early morning).
Caution: The doors of temples will remain closed during Sutak period and eclipse. Doing purification and charity will be fruitful only after the eclipse ends.

Amidst this shadow of Bhadra and eclipse, it is advised that people perform puja and Dahan only after consulting their local priests or astrologers so that the sanctity of the festival is maintained.