{"id":21175,"date":"2026-02-25T18:06:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T12:36:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=21175"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T05:21:01","slug":"holika-dahan-date-time-how-to-celebrate-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/holika-dahan-date-time-how-to-celebrate-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Holika Dahan 2026 Date, Time & How Indians Celebrate it in USA"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Holika
Source: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you have ever stood near a glowing bonfire on a cool spring night, surrounded by family, prayers, and laughter, then you already know the feeling of Holika Dahan. It is the sacred evening before Holi, a night that brings people together in faith and tradition. For Indians and Indian expats in the USA, this festival is a beautiful way to stay connected to roots and culture. If you want to know the Holika Dahan 2026 date, puja time in the USA, this guide is for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Holika Dahan?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Holika Dahan is the first part of Holi celebrations. While Holi is known as the festival of colors, Holika Dahan is the spiritual beginning of the festival. The word \u201cDahan\u201d means burning. On this night, people light a bonfire that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. For Indian families in the USA, Holika Dahan is a way to stay connected to roots, culture, and values.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is Holika Dahan 2026 in USA?<\/b><\/h3>\n

In 2026, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The festival is observed on the full moon night (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The next day, March 4, 2026, is Holi celebrations in USA, also called Rangwali Holi, the colorful festival where people play with gulal and water.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those living in the United States, the Holika Dahan puja time in USA depends on your time zone (Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific). Most temples perform the ritual after sunset during the auspicious muhurat. It\u2019s always best to check with your local Hindu temple for exact timings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here you can check Holika Dahan Timings in Houston, USA.<\/span><\/h4>\n

In Houston, community temples and cultural centers may observe Holika Dahan on March 3, 2026, between 6:23 PM and 8:51 PM EST, during the auspicious muhurat on Phalguna Purnima night. The Purnima Tithi begins on March 2, 2026 at 5:55 PM EST and ends on March 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM EST. The next day, Dhulandi (Rangwali Holi) will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, with vibrant Holi melas featuring music, dance, and colorful festivities across Houston.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiritual Story Behind Holika Dahan<\/b><\/h4>\n

The meaning of Holika Dahan comes from the story of Prahlad and Holika in Hindu mythology. Prahlad was a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father, Hiranyakashipu, was a powerful demon king who wanted everyone to worship him instead of God. But Prahlad refused. Angry at his son\u2019s devotion, the king asked Holika, his sister, to kill Prahlad. She has a special power that protects her from fire. She sat in a burning fire with Prahlad on her lap and expected him to burn. But something miraculous happened. Holika burned in the fire, and Prahlad remained safe because of his faith. This is why Holika Dahan represents victory of good over evil, power of faith, and protection of truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Holika Dahan is Important for Indian Expats in USA<\/b><\/h3>\n

For Indian expats in the USA, Holika Dahan is more than just a ritual. It is about:<\/span><\/p>\n

Cultural Connection<\/b><\/p>\n

Living in America, many families want their children to understand Indian traditions. Celebrating Holika Dahan helps kids learn the story, values, and meaning behind Holi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Community Bonding<\/b><\/p>\n

Temples and Indian associations organize Holika Dahan events in Dallas, New York, Chicago, San Jose, and Seattle. These gatherings bring the Indian community together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiritual Cleansing<\/b><\/p>\n

The bonfire symbolizes burning negativity, anger, and bad habits. Many people use this night to set positive intentions for the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

How is Holika Dahan Celebrated?<\/b><\/h3>\n