3rd

March

Martius

Latin Script

Mar 1–31 Solar Calendar Pisces–Aries (♓→♈)

Major Festivals

Holi

होली

Mar (full moon)

The Festival of Colors. Celebrated across India and globally, Holi marks the triumph of good over evil (the story of Prahlad) and the arrival of spring. Holika Dahan (bonfire) is the eve; Rangwali Holi (color play) is the day.

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Tamil New Year

उगादि / गुडी पड़वा

Mar–Apr (lunar)

Hindu New Year festivals across multiple traditions — Ugadi (Telugu/Kannada), Gudi Padwa (Marathi), and Cheti Chand (Sindhi) — typically fall in late March or early April depending on the lunar calendar.

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

Mar 20/21

The astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Day and night are approximately equal. The equinox marks the sun crossing the celestial equator northward.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

Holi (date varies) — highly auspicious, color festival of spring
Spring Equinox (Mar 20/21) — solar event, equal day and night
Ugadi/Gudi Padwa — Hindu New Year for several traditions

About March

March is the third month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days. Named after Mars, the Roman god of war. March historically began the Roman year (hence September being the 7th month originally). The Spring Equinox (around March 20–21) in the Northern Hemisphere marks the astronomical start of spring. March is one of the most festival-rich months for Indian traditions: Holi (most years), Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and sometimes Mahashivratri. The month marks the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is March associated with the beginning of the year?
In the original Roman calendar, March (Martius) was the first month of the year. The calendar began with the spring equinox, when the agricultural season started. January and February were added later. Even today, the UK's tax year begins in April, a remnant of the old March start.
When is Holi 2026?
Holi 2026 falls on March 3, 2026 (Rangwali Holi), with Holika Dahan on the evening of March 2, 2026. The exact date changes annually based on the full moon of the Hindu month Phalguna.
What is the Spring Equinox date in 2026?
The Spring (Vernal) Equinox in 2026 falls on March 20, 2026 at approximately 10:45 UTC. On this day, the sun rises due east and sets due west globally.

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