Holi celebration in Ayodhya, great confluence of faith and colors in Ramlala’s court

Holi of Ayodhya has always been special, but after the grand construction of Ram temple, the joy here has now become global. This year i.e. in 2026, the festival of Holi is being celebrated in Ayodhya on 3rd and 4th March. However, this time due to the calculation of Panchang and lunar eclipse, devotees will have to take special care of time.

Main dates and auspicious times

According to the scriptures and local almanacs, the order of dates this year is as follows:

1. Holika Dahan: 2/3 March 2026
2. Holi with colors (Dhulandi): 4 March 2026 (Wednesday)

At some places, the night of March 2 has also been considered as an alternative time for Holika Dahan after the end of Bhadra (after midnight at around 12:50 pm), but in most of the monasteries and temples of Ayodhya, the main festival will start from the evening of March 3 and will conclude with colors on March 4.

Effect of lunar eclipse and change in timing of Ram temple

This year a rare astronomical phenomenon is happening on Holi, a total lunar eclipse. This eclipse will take place on March 3, 2026, which will have a direct impact on the temple darshan and worship method of Ayodhya.

1. Sutak period: Sutak of lunar eclipse starts 9 hours before. Due to this, the doors of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple will remain closed from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm on March 3.
2. Darshan Timings: Devotees will be able to see only morning Mangala Aarti (4:30 AM) and Shringaar Aarti (6:30 AM) on March 3. After the eclipse ends and the temple is purified, the doors will open again at 8:30 pm.
3. Holika Dahan: Moksha (completion) of the eclipse will happen at 6:47 pm, only after which purification will be done. Holika Dahan The ritual will be performed.

Ramlala’s ‘Divine Holi’

Holi in Ayodhya starts by offering gulal at the feet of Lord Ram. On March 4, when entire Ayodhya will be drenched in colors, then special Abeer and natural gulal will be offered to Ram Lalla in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

According to the information, special flower colors have been arranged for Ramlala by the Trust. Color made from Tesu (Palash) flowers and Silver When the priest sprinkles colors on Ramlala with a water spray, the scene is supernatural. ‘Prasadi Rang’ is also sprinkled on the devotees, receiving which is considered a great blessing.

Celebrations in monasteries and temples

Holi has its own joy not only in the Ram temple of Ayodhya, but in thousands of temples like Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal and Janaki Mahal.

• Holi of Hanumangarhi: Holi of Naga Sadhus in Hanumangarhi is worth seeing. Here a huge amount of gulal is thrown with the cheers of Bajrangbali.
• Cultural programme: On the occasion of Holi, ‘Fagua’ (traditional Holi songs) are sung in the ghats and courtyards of temples in Ayodhya. The dance of saints and devotees on the beats of drums and manjiras enlivens the streets of Ayodhya.

Travel Tips for Devotees

If you want to be a part of Holi in Ayodhya this time, then the following things should be kept in mind. In view of the Holi crowd, Northern Railway has announced to run special trains (5 and 7 March) between Amritsar and Ayodhya Dham. Make sure to make your booking in advance.

Lakhs of devotees are gathering to have the darshan of Ramlala. Due to the eclipse, the time for darshan on March 3 is limited, so it would be better to make your plans for March 4.

This time Holi of Ayodhya is presenting a unique example of devotion and astronomy. While on one hand restraint and purification will be observed due to the lunar eclipse, on the other hand the Gulal flying on the banks of Saryu on March 4 will become a symbol of the prosperity of ‘Ram Rajya’. This festival teaches us that the victory of good over evil is certain, be it the fire of Holika or the darkness of ignorance.

Also read- Chandra Grahan 2026: Ram temple will remain closed for 11 and a half hours in Ayodhya on lunar eclipse, know when will the door of Ram Lala open?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com does not endorse or confirm any information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.