Under clouds of bright pink and yellow powder, thousands gathered at Dhakeshwari National Temple on Tuesday as members of Bangladesh's Hindu community celebrated Holi with vibrant devotion, enjoying colorful dances and music.
According to temple authorities, the eclipse will commence at 3:21 PM and continue until 6:47 PM. As per established religious customs followed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple will be closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
As the grand celebrations of Attukal Pongala 2026 commenced, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh on Tuesday assured that all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the festival, as lakhs of devotees thronged the city.
Speaking about the preparations, Vasavan said that three review meetings were convened to assess the arrangements for the festival and that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally attended one of the meetings.
Temples across India closed their gates on Tuesday as the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) began ahead of the first lunar eclipse of the year, with priests saying the doors will reopen after the eclipse ends in the evening.
Hariom Vashishth from Rohtak said he had arrived a day earlier and completed the ritual bath before the eclipse began. He explained that a fast is observed during the sutak period, during which devotees refrain from drinking water, eating food, or performing any rituals. He added that the
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain celebrated Holi festival during the early morning Bhasma Aarti on Tuesday, with the sanctum sanctorum drenched in gulal and Lord Mahakal adorned with bhang (cannabis) and dry fruits in a divine decoration.
Speaking to ANI, the Tamil Nadu BJP President stated that they offered prayers for global peace and the prosperity of India. He called for the lighting of the lamp on Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai.
With Holi 2026 just around the corner, the country is already slipping into celebration mode, and from temples to town squares, colours, music and tradition are bringing people together once again.