In Maharashtra, Holi is the night of the bonfire, known as Shimga in the Konkan. Colours are played on Dhulivandan the next day, and in many places, especially Pune, Nashik and Indore, they are played on Rang Panchami.
Next: Sunday, 21 March 2027.
Holika Dahan
A fire of wood and cow-dung cakes is lit in the evening and worshipped with puran poli offered as naivedya, recalling Prahlad's escape from Holika. People walk around it and shout to drive away evil.
Shimga in Konkan
In the Konkan, Shimgotsav lasts for days, with palkhi processions of the village deity to every house, and folk performances.
Dhulivandan
The next morning the ash of the Holi fire is applied, and later people play with colours and water.
How the date is fixed
Holika Dahan is on the evening when Phalgun Pournima prevails at pradosh (after sunset). Dhulivandan is the next day, and Rang Panchami is Phalgun Vadya 5.
Dates are calculated for Mumbai. A printed panchang from another city or tradition can differ by a day. For rituals, follow your family priest.
Questionsप्रश्नोत्तरे
When is Holi, Dhulivandan and Rang Panchami 2027?
Holi, Dhulivandan and Rang Panchami 2027 is on Sunday, 21 March 2027 (Phalgun Pournima), calculated for Mumbai.
Which day of Holi is the holiday?
The public holiday in Maharashtra is the second day, Dhulivandan.