Overview
- Drik Panchang listings place Holika Dahan on March 3 with an evening muhurat of 6:22 pm to 8:50 pm and Rangwali Holi on March 4.
- Kashi Vidwat Parishad scholars, including BHU’s Pandit Vinay Pandey, advise Holika Dahan on the night of March 2 due to the March 3 total lunar eclipse and sutak, citing a 12:50 am–2:32 am window.
- Purnima tithi is reported to begin at 5:55 pm on March 2 and end at 5:07 pm on March 3, with Bhadra spanning the first half and influencing ritual timing.
- Holashtak runs from February 24 to March 3 in 2026, a period when major auspicious activities are traditionally avoided.
- Holiday planning reflects the split, with Uttar Pradesh’s academic calendar marking March 2 for Holika Dahan and March 4 for Holi as confusion continues over March 3 closures.