🎉 Holi & Dhuleti 2026 – Complete Details

Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant Hindu celebrations symbolizing joy, unity, and victory of good over evil. In 2026, Holi/Dhuleti will be celebrated on:

📅 Date:

2 March 2026 (Monday)

A day before Holi, Holika Dahan takes place, followed by the colour-playing festival known as Rangwali Holi or Dhuleti.

🌈 What Is Dhuleti?

Dhuleti (or Dhulandi) is celebrated on the day following Holika Dahan. People play with:

• Gulal & dry organic colours
• Water balloons
• Flower petals
• Colour sprays

It is the day of expressing love, joy, and brotherhood.

🔥 Mythology & Significance

The story behind Holi comes from the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu and the defeat of Holika signifies:

• Triumph of good over evil
• Victory of devotion over ego
• Renewal of positive energy

Another important legend is Radha-Krishna’s divine play, symbolizing:

• Love
• Togetherness
• Harmony

🙏 Holi 2026 Rituals & Traditions

1. Holika Dahan (Night Before Holi)

People gather to light a bonfire and perform parikrama. Items offered include:

• Cow dung cakes
• Coconut
• Popcorn
• Wheat grains
• Mustard seeds

It symbolizes burning of negative energies.

2. Dhuleti (Rangwali Holi)

The next morning people celebrate with:

• Dry colours (gulal)
• Water & pichkaris
• Singing and dancing
• Traditional sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai

3. Puja & Offerings

• Offer gulal to Krishna and Radha
• Apply tilak to elders
• Share sweets with neighbours and loved ones

4. Charity

On Holi, donating colours, sweets, clothes, and food brings good karma.

🌟 Cultural Importance of Holi

Holi promotes:

• Social bonding
• Forgiveness & letting go
• New beginnings
• Freedom from negativity
• Celebration of nature and colours

It marks the end of winter and arrival of spring.

🛡️ Safety Tips for Holi 2026

• Use natural/herbal colours
• Protect eyes and skin
• Apply oil on hair
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid colouring animals

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is Holi in 2026?

Holi/Dhuleti will be celebrated on 2 March 2026 (Monday).

2. What is the difference between Holika Dahan and Dhuleti?

Holika Dahan is the bonfire ritual performed the night before Holi. Dhuleti is the colour-playing festival celebrated the following day.

3. Is Holi connected to Lord Krishna?

Yes, Holi is closely associated with the playful pastimes (leelas) of Radha-Krishna in Vrindavan.

4. What food is traditionally made on Holi?

Gujiya, thandai, malpua, dahi vada, puran poli, and papad are commonly prepared.

5. Is Holi celebrated everywhere in India?

Yes, but regions like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Udaipur celebrate it with unique traditions.