Dol Purnima (Dol Jatra / Dol Utsav) is the full‑moon spring festival of colours and devotion celebrated mainly in eastern India, closely linked with Holi and the worship of Radha–Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, with key puja timings linked to the Phalguna Purnima Tithi.
Dol Purnima 2026 Date & Purnima Tithi
Most reliable Panchang and festival sites agree on the date and lunar timing.
- Dol Purnima / Dol Jatra 2026 Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
- Lunar month: Phalguna (Falgun).
- Tithi (Purnima) start:
- 02 March 2026 – 05:55 PM IST.
- Tithi (Purnima) end:
- 03 March 2026 – 05:07 PM IST.
Dol Utsav explainers clearly state that Dol Purnima 2026 is celebrated on 3 March because the Purnima Tithi is active until the evening of that day. DrikPanchang’s Phalguna Purnima page and a detailed Purnima 2026 calendar confirm the same timings.
Dol Purnima 2026 Tithi & Moonrise
| Detail | Timing (IST) |
|---|---|
| Purnima Tithi begins | 02 March 2026, 05:55 PM |
| Purnima Tithi ends | 03 March 2026, 05:07 PM |
| Calendar Date observed | 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Moonrise on Purnima | ~06:21 PM (for North India cities) |
Guides recommend that main offerings and puja rituals be completed before 5:07 PM on 3 March, while the Purnima Tithi is still in effect.
States Where Dol Purnima / Dol Jatra Is Celebrated
Dol Purnima is regionally known as Dol Jatra, Dol Yatra or Dol Utsav, and is celebrated most prominently in certain eastern states.
According to festival explainers and holiday guides:
- West Bengal: Celebrated as Dol Purnima, Dol Jatra or Dol Utsav, with Radha–Krishna processions and colour play, especially in places like Nabadwip, Mayapur and Shantiniketan.
- Odisha: Known as Dol Jatra / Dola Purnima, with decorated swings (dola) carrying Radha–Krishna idols in processions, notably in Puri and other Vaishnav centres.
- Assam: Also observes Doul/Doul Jatra in Vaishnavite satras (monasteries), combining kirtan, processions and colours.
BankBazaar’s Dol Jatra note sums it up: “Dol Jatra—the festival of colours—is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.”
Major Dol Purnima States & Local Names
| State | Local Name(s) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | Dol Purnima, Dolyatra, Dol Utsav | Radha–Krishna idols on swings, abir, kirtan, Basanta Utsav. |
| Odisha | Dol Jatra, Dola Purnima | Dola melas, colourful processions, Puri celebrations. |
| Assam | Doul/Doul Jatra | Satra‑centred kirtans, processions, colours. |
Dol Purnima 2026 Puja Timings & Auspicious Muhurats
Beyond the basic Purnima Tithi, some guides share finer muhurat windows recommended for Puja and offerings.
Dol Utsav 2026 guides advise:
- Perform key rituals and offerings on 3 March 2026 before 05:07 PM, while the Purnima Tithi is active.
- Suggested auspicious slots (IST) for puja and offering colours to deities:
Astro articles echo similar guidance that midday to late afternoon on 3 March is ideal for Dol Puja, bhog and bhajan, before evening colour festivities and moonrise.
Dol Purnima 2026 Suggested Puja Muhurats
Devotional guides emphasise that householder devotees can also perform simplified puja at home within these windows if they cannot reach temples.
Spiritual Significance of Dol Purnima
Dol Purnima combines colour, devotion and spring.
Key devotional aspects highlighted in 2026 explainers:
- Radha–Krishna Bhakti: The festival honours the playful, divine love of Radha and Krishna. Deities are placed on decorated swings (dol/dola) and carried in processions, where devotees offer abir and flowers.
- Birth of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: In Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition, Dol Purnima 2026 also marks the appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who taught that nama‑kirtan (chanting) with music and dance is an easy path to God.
- Last festival of the Bengali year: For Bengalis, Dol Purnima is considered the last major festival of the Bengali calendar year, symbolically closing the spring cycle before the New Year arrives.
These layers make Dol Purnima a festival of both bhakti (devotion) and basanta (spring), bridging hearts through colour, song and community gatherings.
Dol Purnima vs Holi 2026: How They Align
Dol Purnima broadly coincides with Holi / Phalguna Purnima observed across India.
- Purnima for Holi 2026 is also on 3 March 2026, with Tithi from 2 March, 05:55 PM to 3 March, 05:07 PM, as per Purnima calendars and panchangs.
- Many sources note that Dol Jatra/Holi fall on the same full‑moon day, though different regions may emphasise Dol Utsav (devotional colours) or Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi.
Social updates mention that Holi in 2026 is celebrated in different parts of India between 2 and 4 March, but the main Purnima colour‑play aligns on 3 March in most calendars.
How Dol Purnima 2026 Is Celebrated in Key Regions
West Bengal: Dol Utsav & Shantiniketan Basanta Utsav
In Bengal, Dol Purnima is associated with:
- Dol Jatra: Radha–Krishna idols placed on a palanquin or swing, carried in processions while devotees sing kirtans and throw abir.
- Dol Utsav: In many temples and Vaishnav maths, devotees assemble for bhajans, prasad and colour play.
- Basanta Utsav (Shantiniketan): At Visva‑Bharati, Shantiniketan, Dol Purnima merges into Basanta Utsav, with students dressed in yellow, Rabindra‑sangeet, dance, tagore‑inspired cultural programmes and controlled colour use.
Travel guides for Shantiniketan Basanta Utsav 2026 note that Dolyatra falls on 3 March 2026, making it a particularly lively day for visitors.
Odisha: Dola Melas and Puri Celebrations
In Odisha, Dol Purnima is called Dola Jatra / Dola Purnima, with:
- Dola melas: Village and town fairs where Radha–Krishna idols are carried on decorated vimanas (chariots) from one temple or home to another, accompanied by sankirtan.
- Puri and Vaishnav shrines: Traditional rituals in and around the Jagannath culture, including special puja and bhog offerings.
Assam: Doul Jatra in Vaishnav Satras
Assamese Vaishnavism celebrates Doul/Doul Jatra in satras (monasteries), featuring:
- Processions with Krishna idols.
- Harinam‑kirtan with cymbals and drums.
- Controlled throwing of colours among devotees.
These regional flavours give Dol Purnima a unique identity distinct from but related to pan‑Indian Holi.
Simple Home Puja Guide for Dol Purnima 2026
For a user‑friendly article, you can outline a basic Dol Purnima home puja.
Suggested steps, aligned with 2026 tithi:
- Clean and decorate the puja space on the morning of 3 March 2026.
- Place images or idols of Radha–Krishna (and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu if following Gaudiya tradition).
- During any of the auspicious slots (Laabh, Amrit, Shubh), offer:
- Fresh flowers, incense and diya.
- Dry colours (gulal/abir) symbolically at the deity’s feet.
- Fruits and sweets as bhog.
- Chant Krishna and Radha mantras or simple kirtan with family.
- After Purnima Tithi (post 5:07 PM), share prasad and later join community colour play if desired.
Astrology‑style guides stress that intentions of joy, devotion and gratitude are more important than complex rituals for household devotees.
Quick Reference Tables
Dol Purnima 2026 One‑Glance Guide
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Dol Purnima / Dol Jatra / Dol Utsav |
| Date (Gregorian) | 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Tithi | Phalguna Purnima (full moon) |
| Tithi Time | 2 Mar 05:55 PM – 3 Mar 05:07 PM IST |
| Main Regions | West Bengal, Odisha, Assam |
| Deity Focus | Radha–Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu |
Dol Purnima 2026 thus offers a complete blend of exact date and puja timings, regional culture and spiritual meaning: a full‑moon day where devotees across Bengal, Odisha and Assam celebrate Radha–Krishna’s love, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s message of kirtan, and the joyous arrival of spring with colours.
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