Holi 2027 in Leicester

In Leicester, Holi 2027 is on Sunday, 21 March 2027. The holika dahan muhurat is 11:45 PM – 12:11 AM (22 Mar) GMT.

Bhadra covers Pradosh Kaal in Leicester but ends before the Hindu midnight, so the fire is lit after Bhadra ends and before midnight.

About Holi

Holi is celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of Phalguna. On the evening of Purnima the Holika bonfire (Holika Dahan) recalls the protection of the devotee Prahlad, and the next day people play with colours (Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi).

Holika Dahan is done in Pradosh Kaal (the first fifth of the night after sunset) while Purnima is running and Bhadra (the Vishti karana in the first half of Purnima) is over. We follow the order of preference used by Drik Panchang: if Bhadra is still running in Pradosh but ends before the Hindu midnight, the fire is lit after Bhadra ends; if Bhadra lasts past midnight, it is lit in the tail of Bhadra (Bhadra Punchha) when that falls before midnight, otherwise in Pradosh. Bhadra Mukha is always avoided.

A simple Holi at home in Leicester

1. Many communities light one shared bonfire; where open fires are not allowed, families light a lamp or a small fire in a safe container instead. Check local fire rules first.
2. Offer water, roli, rice, flowers, raw cotton thread, coconut and new grain (wheat or barley ears) to the Holika.
3. Walk around the fire three or seven times while winding the cotton thread, and pray for the family's health.
4. Take a little ash home as prasad, as many families do, and play with colours the next day.

Items you cannot find locally can usually be replaced: an Indian grocer or temple shop in Leicester normally stocks the basics, and local flowers are fine.