It is a vibrant time to be in Gujarat. Holi 2026 has brought together grand temple celebrations and a rare celestial event — the Chandra Grahan (Total Lunar Eclipse) on March 3.
Because the eclipse coincided with Holi Purnima, several major temples across Gujarat adjusted their ritual schedules. Holika Dahan timings were modified in some places, temple doors were closed during eclipse hours, and purification rituals were performed afterward.
Here is the complete guide to Holi 2026 celebrations, temple timings and travel details for Gujarat’s major pilgrimage destinations.
1. Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple (Sarangpur)
Sarangpur is known for hosting one of the grandest Holi celebrations in Gujarat. The Salangpur Rangotsav has become a massive annual spiritual and cultural event.
Celebration Highlights
- Over 1,50,000 devotees participate
- Around 51,000 kg of organic gulal is used
- High-pressure color cannons spray colors across the gathering
- The idol is decorated in elaborate festive attire
Darshan Timings
| Session | Time |
| Morning | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Evening | 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Eclipse Day (March 3): Temple doors were closed from 3:20 PM until purification rituals completed after sunset.
Travel Information
- Location: Near Botad district
- Distance from Ahmedabad: Approximately 3 hours by road
- Access: Private cab or GSRTC bus
- Facilities: Bhojanalaya (free meals) and limited accommodation available
2. Ambaji Temple (Shaktipeeth)
Ambaji attracts thousands of padyatris during Falgun Poonam. The celebration here focuses more on spiritual devotion than large-scale color events.
Celebration Highlights
- Devotees offer red gulal and silk flags (dhaja)
- Strong Shakti-centered rituals
- Heavy footfall from across Gujarat and Rajasthan
Eclipse Impact
Because the eclipse coincided with Purnima, Holika Dahan was performed on March 2 in many cases instead of March 3 to avoid Sutak.
Darshan Timings
| Session | Time |
| Morning | 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Afternoon | 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Evening | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Eclipse Day: Temple doors closed during eclipse hours on March 3.
Travel Information
- Location: Aravalli hills
- Nearest railway station: Abu Road (20 km)
- Bus connectivity: Frequent buses from Palanpur and Ahmedabad
3. Shamlaji Temple
Shamlaji is famous for the “Kaliya Thakor” traditions where tribal culture blends with Vedic rituals.
Celebration Highlights
- Devotees take holy baths in the Meshwo River
- Folk songs and traditional dances create a festive environment
- Thousands gather before entering the temple
Darshan Timings
| Day | Timing |
| Regular days | 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM |
| March 3 | Closed during eclipse hours |
Travel Information
- Location: Gujarat–Rajasthan border (NH-8)
- Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 2.5 hours by road
4. Ranchhodraiji Temple (Dakor)
Dakor is often considered the spiritual heart of Holi in Gujarat.
Celebration Highlights
- Devotees traditionally walk to Dakor from nearby towns
- The deity is dressed in yellow attire (Pitambar)
- “Goth” sweet offerings are distributed
- Fag Utsav includes special Hindola (swing) rituals
Eclipse Observance
Temple authorities observed closure during eclipse hours and reopened after Shuddhikaran (purification) rituals.
Travel Information
- Location: Near Nadiad and Anand
- Connectivity: Well connected by rail and road
Holi 2026 Timeline and Eclipse Impact
| Event | Date | Details |
| Holika Dahan | March 2–3 | Many temples conducted rituals early due to eclipse |
| Lunar Eclipse | March 3 | Temples closed during eclipse hours (~3:20 PM onward) |
| Purification Rituals | March 3 (post-sunset) | Shuddhikaran performed after eclipse ended |
| Dhulandi | March 4 | Main color celebration across Gujarat |
Logistics and Safety Summary
Colors Used
Strictly organic and natural gulal at major temples. Avoid chemical colors if celebrating at temple premises.
Crowd Control
Heavy police presence and CCTV monitoring active until March 5 across all major temple towns.
Post-Eclipse Ritual
All temples performed Shuddhikaran (purification) on the night of March 3 before reopening.
Accommodation Status
Most temple dharamshalas are fully booked. Suggested stay locations:
- For Sarangpur: Botad
- For Ambaji: Palanpur
- For Dakor: Nadiad or Anand
- For Shamlaji: Himmatnagar
Important Advisory for Devotees
- Check temple trust announcements before visiting
- Arrive early due to large crowds and potential queues
- Follow local instructions during major processions
- Expect traffic diversions near major temple towns
- Carry water and stay hydrated during daytime celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were temples closed during Holi this year?
Temples closed during the lunar eclipse on March 3 due to Sutak period observances. They reopened after purification rituals.
Was Holika Dahan held on March 2 instead of March 3?
In many temples, yes. To avoid eclipse-related restrictions, Holika Dahan was conducted earlier.
Is Dhulandi still on March 4?
Yes, the main color celebration (Dhulandi/Rangwali Holi) is being observed on March 4 across Gujarat.
Which temple had the largest Holi celebration?
Sarangpur Hanuman Temple attracted over 1.5 lakh devotees for its Divya Rangotsav.
Final Summary
Holi 2026 in Gujarat created a rare spiritual atmosphere where vibrant celebrations met astronomical significance. While the lunar eclipse briefly paused temple activities, the festive spirit remained strong across Sarangpur, Ambaji, Shamlaji and Dakor.
The combination of devotion, tradition and rare celestial alignment made this year’s Holi one of the most memorable in recent times.
Whether you watched color cannons at Sarangpur, offered flags at Ambaji, or simply walked the temple corridors at Dakor, this Holi offered something unique – faith that adapts, traditions that endure, and celebrations that continue despite the Moon’s shadow.