12th

Phalguna

ફાલ્ગુણ

Gujarati

Feb 8–Mar 9 Lunar Pisces (♓)

Major Festivals

Holi / Holika Dahan

હોળી / હોલિકા દહન

Early–Mid Mar

Festival of Colors celebrating spring and divine love. Commemorates Krishna's playfulness and burning of demoness Holika. Celebrated with colors, bonfires, and family feasts (Gujhiya, sweets).

Phalguna Pournami

ફાલ્ગુણ પૌર્ણિમે

Mid Mar

Full moon of spring, auspicious for new relationships, forgiveness, and renewal. Culminates the lunar year before Chaitra begins anew.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Phalguna Amavasai (New moon) — Holika Dahan, auspicious for burning negativity

✓ Phalguna Pournami (Full moon) — Holi, most auspicious for new relationships and reconciliation

About Phalguna

ફાલ્ગુણ (Phalguna) celebrates spring's joy and renewal with Holi—the Festival of Colors. Holika Dahan (bonfire) burns past negativity; colored powders represent joy and unity. The festival transcends caste and religion—strangers become friends through colors. The month (Pisces) emphasizes compassion and creative transcendence. Phalguna concludes the lunar year. Diaspora Gujarati families celebrate Holi with color-throwing parties, traditional sweets (Gujhiya, Chikhalwali), and neighborhood gatherings. The festival's playful inclusivity makes it one of diaspora Hinduism's most valued celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Holi 2026?

Holi 2026 is celebrated on March 14–15, 2026 (Phalguna Pournami full moon). Holika Dahan occurs on March 13 evening, 2026.

What is special about Gujarati Holi traditions?

Gujarati Holi includes specific traditions like Holika fires, Gujhiya (sweet pastry) preparation, and the playful color-throwing (Pichkari water fights are also common). The festival's emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation is especially strong in Gujarat, where enemies are encouraged to reconcile on Holi and sweets are exchanged.

How have diaspora Gujaratis popularized Holi?

Diaspora Gujarati communities have made Holi one of the most recognizable Hindu festivals in Western societies. Universities celebrate Holi Festival; tech companies organize office Holi celebrations. The festival's inclusive, playful nature appeals to multicultural audiences, making it a vehicle for Hindu cultural visibility and cross-cultural celebration in diaspora contexts.

View Phalguna in Other Languages

Tamil Telugu Hindi Kannada Rajasthani