As the cold winter winds start to fade and spring begins to bloom, India prepares for one of its most powerful spiritual nights: Holika Dahan 2026. Falling on Tuesday, March 3, this year’s celebration is extra special and a bit complex due to a rare celestial event: a Total Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) occurring on the same day.If you’re planning your Puja, here is everything you need to know to ensure your rituals are auspicious and effective.Timing is Everything: The 2026 Shubh MuhuratThis year, the timing for lighting the bonfire is very specific because of the Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse starts at 3:20 PM and ends at 6:47 PM. In India, the Sutak period (inauspicious time) begins 9 hours before the eclipse.Holika Dahan Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026Auspicious Puja Window: 6:31 PM to 8:58 PMPurnima Tithi Ends: 5:07 PM on March 3Pro-Tip: Perform your main rituals after the eclipse ends at 6:47 PM to avoid any negative energies.What to Offer: The "Secret" Ingredients for ProsperityHolika Dahan isn't just about burning wood; it’s about a "spiritual reset." Here is what you should put into the fire to invite different blessings:For Wealth: Offer a whole brown coconut.For Health: Put cow dung cakes (Upla) and mustard seeds into the flames.For Success: Offer barley (Jau), wheat stalks, and black sesame seeds.For Peace: Throw in a piece of camphor (Kapoor) to cleanse the surrounding air and your mind.The Do’s and Don’ts (Religious Rules)To make sure your prayers are heard, follow these traditional guidelines:What to Do ✅What to Avoid ❌Parikrama: Walk around the fire 3 or 7 times in a clockwise direction.Hair: Women should not keep their hair open during the puja; tie them up for safety and tradition.Wear Colors: Opt for bright yellow, pink, or red. These attract positive planetary energy.Colors to Avoid: Don't wear black or white clothing, as they are considered inauspicious for this ritual.Collect the Ash: The next morning, take a bit of the cold ash and apply it to your forehead for protection.Lending Money: Avoid giving or taking loans on this day; it’s believed to cause financial "leaks" all year.Bathing: Take a bath before the puja to purify yourself.Respect Trees: Never burn green wood or sacred trees like Peepal, Banyan, or Shami.A Special Note for 2026Since the Lunar Eclipse falls on the same day, many families are choosing to focus on Lord Vishnu (Narasimha Avatar) and Mantra Chanting rather than grand celebrations during the day. Once the eclipse ends in the evening, the energy shifts, making it the perfect time to burn away your “inner Holika”the ego, anger, and jealousy that hold you back.
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