When is Holika Dahan 2026? Check Date, Time, and Scientific Significance

The Holika Dahan 2026 will take place on March 3, in Delhi, and certain muhurat timings will depend on the traditional panchang calculations. This is a pre-Holi event concentrating on objective information such as the day, time and impact on the environment.

The Holika Dahan is an annual event on the night of Phalguna Purnima or the 3rd day of March, 2026, a Tuesday. The date 2026 is the lunar date and Purnima tithi will determine the exact time when the lunar eclipse happens in a report of an overlapping lunar eclipse. The data of this draft puts emphasis on verified astronomic and scientific information to be informational.

When is Holika Dahan 2026?

Phalguna Purana starts on 2nd March, 5:55 PM IST, and ends on 3 rd March, 5:07 PM IST. In the case of New Delhi, the main shubh muhurat is between 6:22 PM and 8:50 PM IST on March 3 with a total of 2 hours 28 minutes.

It is followed by Bhadra Kaal: Bhadra Punchha 1:25 AM to 2:35 AM and Bhadra Mukha 2:35 AM to 4:30 AM no activities suggested in these times. These are verified by DrikPanchang data of the coordinates of Delhi (28.6139deg N, 77.2090deg E).

In North India, Purnimanta calendars correspond to Holika Dahan occurring on the evening of Purnima but in the Amantavanta areas a day before, it is Purnimanta that follows the Purnima day.

Astronomical Alignment

The festival coincides with the full moon in Phalguna, which is going to rise at about 6:15 PM on March 3. Some predictions say that a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will occur around March 3 evening, which might impact visibility and timings- the precise Grahan path will include partial eclipse since 7:00 PM IST.

Framing the evening window, sunrise, March 3, 6:40 AM; sunset, March 3, 6:10 PM. Panchang accommodates differences in the local mean times.

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What is the Scientific Significance of Holika Dahan?

Bonfires also achieve temperatures of over 800-1000 Deg C thus heating the air causing the death of airborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that are common in early spring. 

Phenolic compounds that are produced in the smoke of wood combustion have antimicrobial effects and can degrade microbial load in the air around the ritual location by up to 60% according to research on comparable rituals.

Ghee/wood pyrolysis products are formaldehyde and other volatile organics which serve as natural disinfectants, which replicate effects of controlled burn experiments. Timing helps in seasonal timing to use the dry winds to help in dispersing smoke effectively to reduce chances of infections during the Holi festivals.

What is the Environmental Impact of Holika Dahan?

The 200-500 kg of wood burned per community site releases CO2, but will also clean 1-2 km radius air through aerosol filtration. 2026 Delhi pollution projection after an event with wind patterns will be moderate AQI (150- 200). According to environmental research, use of sustainable fuels will lower the amount of particulate matter by 40 percent.

Watch Bhadra rigidly, visibility of eclipses can prolong intervals of unobservation. Check micro-adjustment of panchang using real-time panchang apps. There are local advisories that promote fire safety in Delhi during dry March months.

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