Holi 2026

Holi marks the burning of the demoness Holika, who tried to destroy the boy-devotee Prahlada at her brother Hiranyakashipu's command. Vishnu's protection of Prahlada — and the consequent burning of Holika in the very fire she had built — is the festival's foundational story.

The day after Holika Dahan, Rangwali Holi, commemorates Lord Krishna's playful smearing of colours on Radha and the gopis in Vrindavan. This expression of bhakti through colour, music and dance has become the most universally Hindu celebration of love and friendship.

Holi falls on Phalguna Purnima — the full-moon night that closes the lunar year.

1. Gather dried wood, cow dung cakes, twigs of mango and palasha for the Holika pyre on the evening of Phalguna Purnima.
2. After sunset and during the auspicious Holika Dahan muhurat, light the pyre while chanting Vedic mantras invoking Agni.
3. Offer coconut, raw turmeric, mustard seeds, harvest grains and sweets into the flames.
4. Circumambulate the bonfire three or seven times, praying for protection of family and harvest.
5. The next morning, perform a simple Sri Krishna puja before stepping out for Rangwali Holi.
6. Greet family and neighbours with gulal, sweets and the words "Holi Hai".