When is Dol Purnima 2026? Know the exact date of Dol Yatra, method of worship and importance of Radha-Krishna.

As soon as the month of Phalgun arrives, colors start changing in the weather. There is a fragrance of Holi in the air and hymns of Radha-Krishna start resonating in the temples. Dol Purnima comes during this auspicious time, which is also called Dol Yatra or Dol Utsav. It is not just a festival, but a symbol of love, devotion and joy.

On hearing the name of Dol Purnima, a beautiful image of Radha-Krishna sitting in a swing emerges in the mind. On this day, devotees swing Lord Krishna and Radharani in a doli, offer Abir-Gulaal and celebrate with bhajan-kirtan. Let us know the exact date of Dol Purnima 2026, method of worship and its religious significance.

Date and auspicious time of Dol Purnima 2026

According to the Hindu calendar, Dol Purnima is celebrated on the full moon date of Phalgun month. According to Drik Panchang, in the year 2026, Phalgun Purnima will start on March 2 at 5:55 pm. This date will remain till 5:06 pm on March 3, 2026. According to the tradition of observing Udaya Tithi, most of the people will celebrate Dol Purnima on 3 March 2026. On this day, preparations for special puja and Jhula Utsav will begin in the temples from morning itself.

Mythological significance of Dol Purnima

Dol Purnima is dedicated to the divine love of Lord Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. It is believed that on this day Lord Krishna had expressed his love for Radha ji. According to the story, when Radha Rani was swinging with her friends, Kanha had applied gulal on her face as a sign of love.

The word ‘Dol’ means palanquin or swing. For this reason this festival is called Dol Yatra. This day gives us the message of love, affection and devotion. Therefore, dry Abir-Gulal has special significance on Dol Purnima. In many places it is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In this way, Dol Purnima is important from both spiritual and cultural point of view.

How is Dol Purnima celebrated

On the day of Dol Purnima, devotees wake up in the morning at Brahma Muhurta, take bath and prepare for the puja. In temples, the idols of Radha-Krishna are decorated with beautiful clothes and flowers. After this he is made to sit in a doli or swing.

Devotees take out Dol Yatra while dancing, singing, singing bhajans and kirtans. “Hori Bol” and “Radhe-Krishna” are chanted during the journey. People give the message of love and brotherhood by applying gulal to each other. On this day, dry Abir-Gulal is used more instead of wet colours. At many places, processions are taken out with traditional musical instruments.

Dol Purnima in West Bengal, Odisha and other states

Dol Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura and Assam. In Odisha it is called ‘Dola Mela’. Here the palanquins of the Lord from different villages are brought to one place and a mass celebration takes place.

In West Bengal this day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Special kirtans take place in temples and monasteries. Dol Utsav is also celebrated in the Krishna temples of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This festival of Dol Purnima connects people together and spreads the message of love and unity in the society.

Dol Purnima 2026 Puja Method

On the day of Dol Purnima, install a chowki in a clean place in the house or temple. Spread a beautiful cloth on it and place the idol of Radha-Krishna. If possible, also install a small palanquin or hammock.

First of all offer water to Sun God. After this, offer Abir-Gulal to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. Offer butter and sugar candy. Malpua or other sweets can also be offered. At the end of the puja, swing Radha-Krishna in the swing and perform aarti. After this distribute Prasad.

Rules of Dol Purnima Vrat

Some devotees also observe fast on Dol Purnima. The person observing the fast should take a bath in the morning and take a resolution. One should eat satvik food or eat fruits throughout the day. After the puja, the fast is broken by taking prasad. The main objective of the fast is to purify the mind and soul and increase love for Lord Krishna.

Disclaimer- The information given here is given on the basis of general information. Read does not claim that these are true and accurate.