Festival guide

Holi

होली

Festival of colors celebrating victory of good over evil and arrival of spring.

At a glance

How is Holi dated?

Holi is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Dhulandi, Rangwali Holi, Festival of Colors, Holi date.

Yearly reference

Holi dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Names, timing, and observance notes

How do Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi differ?

Holika Dahan is the Phalguna Purnima evening observance. Rangwali Holi, the festival of colours, follows it on the next day. The linked schedule lists both dates for each year.

Why this date?

Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi is observed on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, the morning after Holika Dahan on Phalguna Purnima. This keeps the color festival separate from the previous evening bonfire ritual.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Holi tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Lunar tithi

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Purva Phalguni

Dietary practice

No specific restriction

Significance

Celebrates renewal, community joy, and the divine love of Radha-Krishna.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

Playing with colorsSweetsThandai drinkVisiting family and friends

Observed in

Pan-IndiaNepal

Common questions

How is Holi dated?

Holi is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Holi?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Holi. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.