Holika Dahan
The bonfire the night before Holi.
Celebrated everywhere
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 2 March 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 21 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, 10 March 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, 28 February 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, 19 March 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, 8 March 2031 |
Dates are for Mumbai. A tithi that changes close to sunrise or sunset can fall a day earlier or later in another city, so for your own town open the festival in the app.
When it falls
Full moon of Phalguna. Like every lunar festival it lands on a different Gregorian date each year. Muhurtha works the date out from the positions of the Sun and Moon, using the rule for this festival; see how every festival is dated.
The story
Prahlad, a boy devoted to Vishnu, was carried into a fire by his aunt Holika, who was immune to flames — the immunity failed her and Prahlad walked out. The bonfire is lit at twilight on the full moon.
How it is kept
Wood piles are lit after sunset with the previous year's grievances thrown in; people circle the fire and roast new grain.
Common questions
When is Holika Dahan in 2027?
In 2027, Holika Dahan falls on Sunday, 21 March 2027 in Mumbai. Dates for other years are in the table above.
How is the date of Holika Dahan decided?
Full moon of Phalguna. Like every lunar festival it lands on a different Gregorian date each year. Muhurtha works the date out from the positions of the Sun and Moon, using the rule for this festival; see how every festival is dated.
How is Holika Dahan kept?
Wood piles are lit after sunset with the previous year's grievances thrown in; people circle the fire and roast new grain.
Other festivals nearby
Open the Muhurtha app to see Holika Dahan for your own town, with the exact time its tithi begins and ends. How every festival is dated.
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