Holika Dahan and Sutak - Know about Auspicious Times, Do's and Don'ts for March 3, 2026

Next week, India will celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi 2026. However, this year, the festivities come with a unique celestial alignment—a total lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) occurring just one day before the main celebration.

Since Holika Dahan is traditionally observed on the night before Holi, which falls on March 4, the coincidence of the lunar eclipse with the Holika Dahan date has created confusion about whether the ritual should be performed on March 2 or March 3.

When is Chandra Grahan 2026?

The total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, coinciding with Phalguna Purnima (the full moon day). According to Drik Panchang, the eclipse will commence at 3:20 PM IST. The maximum eclipse phase, when the moon will be completely covered by Earth's shadow, will be visible between 6:33 PM and 6:40 PM IST.

Spiritual and Scriptural Significance of Lunar Eclipse

In Vedic astrology and Hindu scriptures, a lunar eclipse is considered a powerful and sensitive time. The Puranas, such as the Matsya Purana, describe the eclipse as a moment when the celestial bodies (grahas) align in a way that amplifies both spiritual and karmic energies. It is believed that during an eclipse, the mind and environment are more susceptible to tamasic (dark) influences, hence the emphasis on prayer, meditation, and protection of food.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Visibility in India

The March 2026 lunar eclipse will be visible across India after sunset, provided the skies remain clear. Due to the timing of moonrise, which coincides with the peak of the eclipse, observers in India will witness only the final 20-25 minutes of the total phase. The northeastern regions may have a slightly better view due to earlier moonrise. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata will also experience the eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye and require no special equipment.

Sutak Kaal: The Period of Abstention

In Hindu tradition, the Sutak Kaal is considered inauspicious for performing religious rituals or starting new ventures. It begins 9 hours before a lunar eclipse and ends with the eclipse's conclusion. During this period, scriptures advise avoiding all regular worship, eating, and other daily activities to maintain spiritual purity.

Sutak Kaal Begins:** 6:20 AM IST on March 3

Sutak Kaal Ends:** 6:47 PM IST (with the conclusion of the eclipse)

Chandra Grahan 2026: Dos and Don'ts (Rituals and Remedies)

The Vishnu Purana and Garuda Purana outline specific guidelines for observing an eclipse to minimize negative effects and maximize spiritual benefits. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do during the Chandra Grahan on Holi:

What to Do During the Eclipse:

- Chant Mantras & Meditate: Reciting mantras like the "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is highly beneficial. The Bhagavad Gita suggests that during spiritually charged times, focused meditation helps in detaching from material distractions.

- Silent Prayer: Engage in japa (silent repetition of God's name) and introspection. This is considered an ideal time for self-purification.

- Protect Cooked Food: To prevent contamination of subtle energies, cover all cooked food with Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves or add a few tulsi leaves to them before the eclipse begins. Tulsi is revered for its purifying properties.

- Charity (Daana): After the eclipse concludes, taking a bath and performing charity is considered highly meritorious. Donate food, clothes, or grains to Brahmins or the needy. The Kashi Khanda states that charity during an eclipse yields infinite results.

What Not to Do During Sutak Kaal:

- Avoid Eating: To maintain mental and physical purity, it is advised to avoid eating or drinking during the eclipse hours. This rule is relaxed for children, the elderly, and those who are ill.

- No Temple Visits or Worship: All deities' idol worship and temple doors are typically closed during the eclipse. Avoid performing Holika Dahan Puja during the eclipse hours.

- Pregnant Women Precautions: As per traditional beliefs, pregnant women should stay indoors to avoid exposure to the "negative rays" of the eclipse. This is based on the Ayurvedic concept of protecting the developing fetus from environmental disturbances.

- Avoid Sharp Objects: Refrain from cutting, stitching, or using sharp objects. This is linked to the belief that such activities can attract negative energies during this vulnerable period.

Holika Dahan 2026: March 2 or March 3?

The main confusion this year revolves around the timing of Holika Dahan. Should it be performed on March 2 or March 3?

The answer: Holika Dahan should be performed on March 3.

Here’s the detailed explanation based on scriptural and Panchang calculations:

According to the Rishikesh Panchang, the Purnima Tithi (full moon date) begins at 5:55 PM on March 2 and ends at 5:07 PM on March 3. Traditionally, Holika Dahan is performed after sunset on the day of Purnima, but it must be done after Bhadra Kaal ends and after the Purnima Tithi is over.

Since Sutak Kaal begins at 6:20 AM on March 3, fire rituals are strictly avoided during eclipse hours (3:20 PM – 6:47 PM). Therefore, Holika Dahan should be performed after the eclipse concludes, ideally within the post-eclipse muhurat window.

Holika Dahan Muhurat:** 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM on March 3.

- Best Time: After 6:47 PM (when Sutak ends) and before 8:50 PM.

Wish you a blesssed Holika Dahan.

-- Dr. Palash Thhakur