While the whole country celebrates Holi as the festival of colors, many parts of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha celebrate Dol Utsav. Dol Utsav or Dol Purnima is a double celebration as it celebrates the birth of a saint as well as a tribute to the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival also marks the last festival of the Bengali year, and it will be celebrated on March 3 this year. From timings to significance, here’s everything you must know about Dol Utsav 2026.
All About Dol Utsav 2026
Dol Utsav 2026: Date, Time And Meaning
Dol Utsav or Dol Purnima is celebrated in the purnima tithi, which will begin on March 2 at 05:55 PM and will end on March 3 at 05:07 PM. Since the purnima tithi will end at 05:07 PM, it is advisable that the main offerings and rituals are completed before it.
Muhurat for rituals:
Amrita Muhurat: 12:17 PM to 01:44 PM.
Laabh Muhurat: 10:49 AM to 12:17 PM.
Shubh Muhurat: 03:12 PM to 04:39 PM.
This day is celebrated as the birth of Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He taught that music and dance are the easiest way to reach the divine.
Because of his influence, the clashing of Kartal cymbals and Khol drums is heard in every street even today.
Another reason celebrates love between Lord Krishna and Radha. According to the mythology, Krishna swung Radha on a decorated seat, smeared her cheeks with color, and expressed his love for her.
Dol Utsav 2026: Celebrations Across The State
In the Eastern part of India, each state has its own way of celebrating Dol Utsav 2026. In West Bengal, women wear traditional red-bordered white sarees and participate in Prabhat Pheri. It is a procession in which people sing and dance to welcome the spring season.
If you go to Assam, you must visit the monasteries or Satras, as they call this festival Doul Utsav. In this celebration, monks sing Borgeet (devotional songs), and people join in for a rhythmic dance.
The main celebrations are said to be held in Odisha, where this festival is known as Dol Jatra. Vimanas or carved wooden structures are made, and idols of Radha and Krishna are placed in them.
Men carry these Vimanas on their shoulders from house to house. In a field for a massive fair, the ritual of Melana takes place. In Melana, hundreds of Vimanas gather at one designated stop.
Dol Jatra 2026
Dol Jatra 2026, also known as Dol Purnima or Dolyatra, is a vibrant Hindu festival primarily celebrated in eastern India. It marks the full moon of Phalgun and the arrival of spring. This festival features colorful processions with idols of Krishna and Radha carried on a decorated palanquin called a dola.
Devotees swing these vibrant palanquins with the chants of “Kenduli Kirtan.” The celebration also includes playful color-smearing with abir and gulal, folk songs, dances, and communal feasts of traditional sweets like malpua, curd, and payesh. In Bengal, it’s the last festival of the Bengali year.
You May Like Also: Basanta Utsav 2026 Date: How It Is Celebrated in Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Summing Up
Dol Purnima 2026 or Dol Utsav 2026 is a celebration of love and the arrival of spring, marking the last festival in the Bengali year. It is an important festival celebrated in the eastern parts juts like Holi in the northern and western parts of the country.
FAQs
What Is The Date Of Dolyatra In 2026?
Dolyatra will be celebrated on March 3, 2026.
What Is The Schedule For Durga Puja In 2026?
October 19 will be Shashti, and October 22 will be Vijay Dashami in 2026.
Why Is Basant Panchami 2026?
Basant Panchami celebrates the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Goddess Saraswati.
