Holi Purnima 2026
Phalgun Purnima · Phalgun Purnima · Vikram Samvat 2083
Significance
Holika Dahan (bonfire); celebrated as the eve of Holi festival.
Phalgun brings the festival of Holi — this Purnima marks Holika Dahan, the bonfire eve of the colour festival. The ritual lighting of the bonfire at sunset symbolises the triumph of devotion over arrogance, following the legend of Prahlada.
Earth's shadow has two zones: the dark umbra and the lighter penumbra. At Purnima, the Moon passes outside both and is fully illuminated. The Hindu tithi system divides the lunar month into 30 tithis of roughly 24 hours each — Purnima is tithi 15 of the bright fortnight (Shukla Purnima). Because tithis are astronomically defined by the Moon's angular distance from the Sun, the IST peak time can fall morning, afternoon, or night depending on the year.
How to Observe Holi Purnima
Light the Holika bonfire at sunset with a coconut and wheat sheaves, walking around it three times to symbolise the burning of ego and evil. Celebrate Rangwali Holi the next morning with colour. Offer gulaal to elders before playing and receive their blessings.