As the festival of colours sweeps across India, Holi 2026 is being celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm, bringing together families, friends and communities in a spirit of joy and togetherness. The celebrations began with Holika Dahan on March 2 in several parts of the country, while some cities observed or are set to observe the ritual on March 3.

Holika Dahan marks the symbolic triumph of good over evil. The following day, people take part in Rangwali Holi, smearing each other with colours, dancing to festive music and sharing sweets. In some regions, the colour-filled celebrations continue into Wednesday, adding to the festive mood.

On this occasion, here are some heartfelt wishes, messages, quotes and social media status ideas you can send to your loved ones.

Happy Holi 2026 wishes

• May the colours of Holi brighten your life and fill your days with happiness, success and prosperity. Happy Holi 2026!
• Let’s splash colours in the air and celebrate the beautiful bond we share. Wishing you a bright and cheerful Holi!
• A very Happy Holi to those who add colours to every day of my life.
• Celebrate Holi with enthusiasm, positivity and lots of colours. Wishing you a vibrant and joyful Holi 2026!
• Wishing you a Holi as bright and beautiful as your spirit.
• Just as colours bring happiness, may Holi bring everyone closer together. Happy Holi 2026!
  

Happy Holi 2026 messages

• May the colours of Holi illuminate your path and bless you with happiness and prosperity.
• May your life be as colourful and vibrant as the hues of Holi. Happy Holi 2026!
• Wishing my squad a Holi that’s as lively and colourful as our adventures together. Happy Holi 2026!
• Holi teaches us to set aside differences and celebrate unity with colours and joy. Happy Holi!
• Sending you warm wishes for a Holi filled with love and divine blessings. Happy Holi 2026!
• Let’s drench each other in colours of fun, laughter and lifelong memories. Happy Holi 2026!
  

Happy Holi 2026 quotes

• “Holi is the perfect time to celebrate the colours of our beautiful relationship. Happy Holi!”
• “May your life become a vibrant canvas this Holi—each splash of colour a reminder of love, hope and dreams.”
• “May the whispers of Holi fill your day with tender memories and radiant joy. Happy Holi 2026!”
• “Let’s throw colours in the air and renew our bonds with warmth and affection. Happy Holi 2026!”
• “On this festival of colours, may your world be filled with joyful moments and bright memories.”
• “Let go of negativity and embrace positivity. Celebrate this Holi with vibrant colours. Happy Holi!”
  

Happy Holi 2026 Facebook and WhatsApp status

• Holi is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of life’s happiest moments. Wishing you a colourful Holi 2026!
• Holi stands for love, care, happiness and endless fun. Let’s celebrate with all our hearts. Happy Holi!
• A Holi picture is worth a thousand laughs. Have a fantastic Holi 2026!
• Life becomes brighter when you add colour to it. Spread joy this Holi 2026!
• Holi reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. May positivity and success fill your life. Happy Holi 2026!
  

May every splash of colour bring laughter, love and unforgettable memories. Happy Holi 2026 to you and your family!

Sky-watchers across several parts of the world are set to witness a spectacular total lunar eclipse on March 3, when the Moon will take on a striking coppery-red hue, popularly known as a “blood moon”.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow completely over the lunar surface. During this phase, instead of turning dark, the Moon glows in shades of deep red or orange. This phenomenon happens because the Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, allowing only red wavelengths to reach the Moon.

Where will the lunar eclipse be visible

The total lunar eclipse will be visible across eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region, and parts of North and South America.

In India, only the final phase of the eclipse will be visible around moonrise at sunset. Northeastern states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal are expected to have a view of the celestial event, subject to clear weather conditions.

According to official timings shared by the India Meteorological Department, the eclipse schedule in India is as follows:

• Eclipse begins: 3:20 pm
• Total phase begins: 4:34 pm
• Total phase ends: 5:33 pm
• Eclipse ends: 6:48 pm
  

Globally, totality will last for approximately 58 minutes, from 6:04 am EST (1104 GMT / 4:34 pm IST) to 7:02 am EST (1202 GMT / 5:32 pm IST).

Is it safe to watch the blood moon

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe with the naked eye. There is no need for protective eyewear.

Experts advise choosing a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best experience. While the eclipse can be seen without equipment, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view and bring out the Moon’s reddish tones more clearly.

Tips for photographing the blood moon

Those planning to capture the rare event can consider the following tips:

1. Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a telephoto lens between 200 mm and 600 mm for closer shots.
2. Increase the ISO between 400 and 1600 and slow the shutter speed to around 1–2 seconds during totality to capture the dimmer red glow.
3. Use a tripod to ensure stability and avoid blurred images.
   

The March 3 total lunar eclipse offers astronomy enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness one of the most captivating natural spectacles in the night sky.

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history on Saturday by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, edging past eight-time champions Karnataka on the basis of a massive first innings lead in the 2025-26 final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.

The summit clash ended in a draw on Day 5, but J&K’s dominance with the bat in the first innings proved decisive as they lifted the trophy for the first time since making their Ranji debut in the 1959-60 season.

Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in their first innings in response to J&K’s imposing 584. In their second innings, J&K declared at 342/4, effectively shutting the door on any slim hopes for Karnataka and sealing the title via the first innings advantage.

Batting depth powers J&K to commanding position

Shubham Pundir set the tone with a crucial 121 in the first innings, guiding J&K to a formidable total of 584. His effort earned him the Player of the Match award.

Sahil Lotra delivered an all-round performance with the bat, scoring 72 in the first innings and following it up with an unbeaten century in the second innings — his maiden first-class hundred. Qamran Iqbal also played a standout knock, smashing 160 in the second innings to stretch the lead beyond Karnataka’s reach.

Captain Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, Yawer Hassan and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed valuable half-centuries, underlining the team’s collective batting strength.

By Lunch on Day 5, J&K had extended their lead to 576 runs, and eventually crossed the 600-run mark before Dogra declared the innings at 342/4 in 113 overs.

Bowlers back up batting brilliance

With the ball, pace spearhead Auqib Nabi once again led from the front, claiming a five-wicket haul in the final. He finished the season with 60 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 12.56, including seven five-wicket hauls, and was named Player of the Series.

Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh picked up two wickets each in the final, while Abid Mushtaq maintained tight lines to support the attack.

A landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket

This triumph marks the end of a 67-year wait for Jammu and Kashmir, who had long struggled in India’s premier domestic competition. Their maiden Ranji Trophy title represents a significant milestone and signals their emergence as a competitive force in domestic cricket.

As celebrations unfolded in Hubli, J&K players lifted the trophy to cap off a season that will be remembered as a breakthrough campaign in the state’s cricketing history.