Holi 2026 will be celebrated on March 3 (Tuesday) in most parts of India, including the Telugu states, despite confusion due to a lunar eclipse. Schools and government offices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will remain closed on March 3 as already घोषित, and there is no change in the holiday decision.

Holi Date Confusion: March 3 or 4?

With a lunar eclipse coinciding with the festival period, confusion arose over whether Holi should be celebrated on March 3 or March 4.

Traditionally, Holika Dahan is observed on the full moon (Purnima) of Phalguna month.

According to Drik Panchang:

Purnima Tithi begins: March 2 at 5:55 PM
Purnima Tithi ends: March 3 at 5:07 PM
Holika Dahan Muhurat: March 3 from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM

However, due to the eclipse factor, some almanac experts suggested performing Holika Dahan on March 2 evening. Despite differing views, the majority of scholars recommended celebrating Holi on March 3, and authorities have aligned with this decision.

Bank Holiday Latest Update

As per the holiday calendar issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

Banks in cities like Kanpur and Lucknow observed holiday on March 2 for Holika Dahan.
In several other states, including Telugu states, banks will remain closed on March 3 (Tuesday).
In regions without a notified holiday, banks will function normally.

Bank holidays vary state-wise depending on local observance patterns.

Schools & Government Offices in Telugu States

In both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:

Schools have already declared a holiday for March 3.
Government offices will also remain closed.
Authorities have clarified that there is no change in the previously announced holiday schedule.

Despite online debates about the eclipse impact, the official stance remains unchanged.

Lunar Eclipse Impact: Should It Affect Celebrations?

While eclipses traditionally influence ritual timings in Hindu customs, festival dates are primarily determined by the tithi (lunar phase).

Religious scholars clarified that since the Purnima Tithi is valid on March 3 and the majority consensus supports it, Holi celebrations will proceed as planned.

Citizens are advised to follow official announcements rather than social media speculation.

Key Entities

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Central Banking Authority of India
Drik Panchang – Hindu Calendar and Muhurat Publisher
Andhra Pradesh Government – State Government Authority
Telangana Government – State Government Authority

Final Verdict

Holi 2026 will be celebrated on March 3, and holidays for schools, government offices, and banks in Telugu states remain intact. The lunar eclipse created temporary confusion, but official and scholarly consensus has brought clarity.

For citizens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it’s simple: March 3 is Holi, and it’s a holiday as already declared.