March 2026 is set to be one of the most spiritually significant months of the year for Hindus. The month brings together major festivals such as Holika Dahan, Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Hindu New Year, Ram Navami, Kamada Ekadashi, Papmochini Ekadashi, and Gudi Padwa. Adding to its importance, a visible lunar eclipse will occur in March, coinciding with the Holi period and creating a rare celestial alignment.
Beyond religious celebrations, March also marks the transition from winter to spring in India. This seasonal shift is traditionally associated with renewal, positivity, and spiritual upliftment. The arrival of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar symbolizes new beginnings and heightened spiritual energy.
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Holi and Lunar Eclipse in March 2026
The festival of Holi in 2026 carries special astronomical importance. Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, followed by Rangwali Holi on March 4. A lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 3, and notably, it will be visible in India.
According to available astronomical calculations, the lunar eclipse will begin at approximately 3:20 PM and end at 6:47 PM (Indian Standard Time). Moonrise in Delhi is expected at 6:26 PM. The Sutak period, which is considered spiritually sensitive in Hindu tradition, will begin around 6:20 AM and conclude at 6:47 PM.
A lunar eclipse occurring around the time of Holi is seen by many astrologers as spiritually significant. Devotees often observe fasting, mantra chanting, and temple visits during this period. However, traditions may vary depending on regional customs and religious beliefs.
The Beginning of Chaitra Month and Hindu New Year
The month of Chaitra begins shortly after Holi and marks the start of the Hindu lunar New Year in many regions of India. In 2026, Chaitra Navratri will commence on March 19.
Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. It is considered one of the most important Navratris of the year, alongside Sharad Navratri.
The auspicious Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) muhurat on March 19, 2026, is expected between approximately 6:52 AM and 7:43 AM. An additional Abhijit Muhurat will be available from 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM for those unable to perform the ritual in the morning window.
The same day also marks Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Yugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, both celebrating the traditional New Year according to regional calendars. These festivals symbolize renewal, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil.
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Ram Navami and the Spiritual Peak of the Month
Chaitra Navratri will conclude with Ram Navami on March 26, 2026. Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe fasting, recite the Ramayana, and organize temple processions on this sacred day.
Ram Navami is considered spiritually powerful as it falls during Navratri, amplifying devotional practices and rituals.
Important Ekadashis and Other Sacred Observances
March 2026 also includes two highly significant Ekadashis — Papmochini Ekadashi on March 15 and Kamada Ekadashi on March 29. Ekadashi fasting is considered highly meritorious in Vaishnav traditions and is believed to aid in spiritual purification and karmic cleansing.
Papmochini Ekadashi is associated with the removal of past sins, while Kamada Ekadashi is believed to fulfill desires and bring prosperity. Devotees observe fasts and break them the following day during the Parana period as per prescribed timings.
The month also includes Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami, Matsya Jayanti, Skanda Shashthi, Rohini Vrat, Yamuna Chhath, and Masik Shivaratri, making it a spiritually dense and devotional period.
Complete March 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar
| Date | Festival / Vrat |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Ravi Pradosh Vrat |
| March 2 | Holika Dahan, Phalguna Purnima |
| March 3 | Lunar Eclipse |
| March 4 | Rangwali Holi, Chaitra Month Begins |
| March 5 | Holi Bhai Dooj |
| March 6 | Bhalchandra Sankashti |
| March 8 | Rang Panchami |
| March 10 | Sheetala Saptami |
| March 11 | Sheetala Ashtami, Kalashtami |
| March 15 | Papmochini Ekadashi, Meen Sankranti |
| March 16 | Som Pradosh Vrat |
| March 17 | Masik Shivaratri |
| March 18 | Chaitra Amavasya |
| March 19 | Chaitra Navratri Begins, Gudi Padwa, Hindu New Year |
| March 20 | Jhulelal Jayanti |
| March 21 | Matsya Jayanti |
| March 24 | Skanda Shashthi |
| March 26 | Ram Navami |
| March 29 | Kamada Ekadashi |
| March 30 | Kamada Ekadashi Parana |
Why March Is Spiritually Significant
March marks a seasonal and spiritual transition. The shift from winter to spring aligns with themes of renewal in Hindu philosophy. Many traditions consider this period ideal for spiritual discipline, fasting, meditation, and the beginning of new ventures.
The alignment of Holi, a visible lunar eclipse, Navratri, Hindu New Year, and Ram Navami within a single month makes March 2026 particularly important from both a religious and astrological perspective.
For devotees and spiritual seekers, it offers a rare opportunity for devotion, reflection, and renewal.
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FAQ
1. When is Holi in 2026?
Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, 2026, and Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.
2. Will the March 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in India?
Yes, the lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be visible in India. It is expected to begin around 3:20 PM and end at 6:47 PM (IST).
3. When does Chaitra Navratri start in 2026?
Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026. Ghatasthapana muhurat is approximately between 6:52 AM and 7:43 AM.
4. When is Ram Navami in 2026?
Ram Navami will be celebrated on March 26, 2026, marking the end of Chaitra Navratri.
5. Which Ekadashis fall in March 2026?
Papmochini Ekadashi falls on March 15, 2026, and Kamada Ekadashi on March 29, 2026.
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