Holi 2027 date, Holika Dahan time and the two-date split

Holi 2027 falls on Monday, 22 March, according to most Hindu almanacs (panchangs), with Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the evening before, on Sunday, 21 March. The Union government's holiday list, however, marks Holi on Tuesday, 23 March, and puts Holika Dahan on 22 March.

So which date is right? Both, depending on the calendar you follow. Here is why, and how to plan.

Key points

• Holika Dahan: Sunday 21 March 2027 (most panchangs).
• Holi, the day of colours: Monday 22 March 2027 (most panchangs).
• Central government holiday: Tuesday 23 March 2027 (gazetted); Holika Dahan is a restricted holiday on 22 March.
• Phalguna Purnima (full moon) runs from about 6:21 PM on 21 March to 4:13 PM on 22 March in Delhi.
• Holika Dahan muhurat in Delhi: about 6:33 PM to 8:55 PM on 21 March, according to one panchang. Check your local panchang.

Holi 2027 date at a glance

Timings are for New Delhi. They change by a few minutes in other cities.

Why are there two dates for Holi in 2027?

Holi is tied to the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, called Phalguna Purnima. The bonfire, Holika Dahan, is lit on the evening when the full moon is in effect, and the colours are played the next morning.

In 2027, the full moon begins on the evening of 21 March and ends in the afternoon of 22 March, according to two separate panchangs. Most almanacs therefore place Holika Dahan on the evening of 21 March and the day of colours on 22 March.

A smaller number of panchangs read the rules differently and place Holika Dahan on 22 March and the colours on 23 March. The government's holiday list follows this second reading. Different rules about which evening counts as "Purnima evening", including the timing of an inauspicious period called Bhadra, are the usual reason such splits happen.

What this means for you:

• If you are celebrating with family or a temple, follow your local panchang or priest. In much of north India, that will mean the bonfire on 21 March and colours on 22 March.
• If you work in a central government office, your holiday is 23 March.
• State governments, banks and private employers publish their own lists. Check yours before you book leave.

Holika Dahan 2027 time

One widely used panchang gives the Holika Dahan muhurat for Delhi as about 6:33 PM to 8:55 PM on Sunday, 21 March 2027. A Mathura-Vrindavan festival guide gives a very similar window, about 6:31 PM to 8:53 PM.

The bonfire is usually lit at a community spot after sunset. People walk around it, offer grains, coconut and new crops, and pray for the burning away of evil.

The story behind Holi

Holi has two well-known stories.

• Prahlad and Holika: The demon king Hiranyakashipu wanted everyone to worship him, but his son Prahlad remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. The king's sister Holika, who was believed to be immune to fire, sat in a fire with Prahlad on her lap. Holika burned, and Prahlad survived. The Holika Dahan bonfire marks this victory of faith over arrogance.
• Radha and Krishna: In the Braj region around Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is linked to the playful love of Radha and Krishna. Krishna, the story goes, was teased about his dark skin and playfully coloured Radha's face. Braj celebrates Holi for many days, with temple festivities and the famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon.

Holi also marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, when the rabi harvest is nearly ready.

How Holi is celebrated across India

• North India: Bonfires on Holika Dahan night, then colours, water and sweets such as gujiya the next day.
• Braj (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon): A week or more of temple celebrations, flower Holi and Lathmar Holi.
• West Bengal and Odisha: Dol Jatra or Basanta Utsav, with processions of Radha and Krishna on swings and celebrations of spring. The government list names Dolyatra as a restricted holiday on 22 March.
• Punjab: Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival of martial skills and gatherings at Anandpur Sahib, is held around the day after Holi.
• Maharashtra: Rang Panchami, five days after Holi, is a second day of colours in parts of the state.

Holi food and sweets

No Holi is complete without food. Gujiya, a fried pastry filled with khoya and dry fruit, is the signature sweet of north India, and families often make it at home in the days before. Thandai, a chilled milk drink with nuts, fennel and spices, is served everywhere. Other favourites include malpua, dahi bhalla, puran poli in Maharashtra and sweets made with jaggery in Bengal and Odisha.

Planning tips for Holi 2027

• It is a long weekend for many. With Holika Dahan on Sunday and colours on Monday, many people will get a three- or four-day break, especially if their office follows the 23 March holiday.
• Book travel early. Trains to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Mathura-Vrindavan fill up weeks before Holi.
• Choose safe colours. Use colours that say they are skin-safe or made from natural ingredients, oil your hair and skin before playing, and protect your eyes.
• Save water. Dry Holi with gulal uses far less water than water balloons.
• Respect consent. Not everyone wants to be coloured. Ask first, especially with strangers, older people and pets.
• Stay safe on the road. Police in many cities run extra checks on Holi. Never drive after bhang or alcohol.

March 2027, a month of festivals

Holi sits in one of the busiest festival months of 2027:

If you are planning travel or family visits in March 2027, the days around Eid and Holi will be the most crowded. See our full festival calendar for 2027 for every date.

Holi 2027 for Indians abroad

Indian communities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the Gulf usually celebrate on the nearest weekend. With Holi on a Monday in 2027, many community events abroad are likely to be held on Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 March. Check with your local temple or community association.

Whichever date your family follows, Holi 2027 brings an early spring long weekend. Check your local panchang for the bonfire time, buy safe colours, and play gently.