Holi 2016 Date — Thursday, March 24, 2016
When is Holi in 2016? Holi 2016 falls on Thursday, March 24, 2016.
Observance: Holi (Rangwali / Dhulandi). City calendars may vary slightly by sunrise and amanta or purnimanta tradition — confirm with your local mandir.
Holi 2016 — full list of dates
| Observance | Date & day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holashtak begins | Wed, 16 March 2016 | |
| Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) | Wed, 23 March 2016 | Bonfire, evening before |
| Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi) | Thu, 24 March 2016 | Festival of colours |
| Ranga Panchami | Mon, 28 March 2016 |
About Holi
Holi celebrates the victory of devotion over ego (Holika Dahan) and the playful colors of spring (Rangwali Holi). It is tied to Krishna’s leelas in Braj and to seasonal renewal across North India, with related observances elsewhere.
How to observe
On Holika Dahan eve, many communities light a bonfire with prayers. The next day, people play with colors, share gujiya and sweets, and visit temples. Use skin-safe colors and respect local rules about water and public spaces.
Why we celebrate
Victory of Prahlada's devotion over Hiranyakashipu; burning of Holika. Celebrates spring, forgiveness, and Krishna's leela in Braj.
How it is celebrated
Play with colors, water, music; community harmony. In Braj, Lathmar Holi and temple celebrations.
Puja timing
Holika Dahan on Purnima evening; Holi colors next morning (Parva). Puja of Holika before bonfire.
Foods & offerings
Gujiya, malpua, thandai, puran poli, dahi vada — regional sweets.
Rituals
- Collect wood; Holika dahan after sunset with parikrama.
- Offer grains, coconut to fire; apply ash for protection.
- Next morning: apply gulal, visit friends and elders.
- Seek forgiveness and renew relationships.
Holi dates by year
| Year | Date & day |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Fri, 6 March 2015 |
| 2016 | Thu, 24 March 2016 |
| 2017 | Mon, 13 March 2017 |
| 2018 | Fri, 2 March 2018 |
| 2019 | Thu, 21 March 2019 |
Hindu festivals around Holi 2016
- Holika Dahan 2016 date — Wed, 23 March 2016
- Ugadi 2016 date — Fri, 8 April 2016
- Gudi Padwa 2016 date — Fri, 8 April 2016
- Chaitra Navratri 2016 date — Fri, 8 April 2016
- Maha Shivaratri 2016 date — Mon, 7 March 2016
- Vishu 2016 date — Wed, 13 April 2016
- Baisakhi 2016 date — Wed, 13 April 2016
- Tamil Puthandu 2016 date — Wed, 13 April 2016
- Ram Navami 2016 date — Fri, 15 April 2016
- Hanuman Jayanti 2016 date — Fri, 22 April 2016
- Thaipusam 2016 date — Mon, 22 February 2016
- Vasant Panchami 2016 date — Fri, 12 February 2016
