Holashtak 2024: Dates, Significance And Activities To Avoid For Eight Days

In the Hindu calendar, the period of Holashtak holds great significance. Commencing from the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun, Holashtak, spanning eight days leading up to the festival of Holi, is a time of caution and reflection as per religious beliefs.

Derived from the combination of ‘Holi’ and ‘Ashtak,’ Holashtak signifies a period of astrological significance where all major planets are believed to exert fierce energies, rendering it inauspicious for conducting any auspicious activities. Dr Mrityunjay Tiwari, Head of the Astrology Department at Shri Kallaji Vedic University, provides insights into the significance and duration of Holashtak for the year 2024.

This year, Falgun Shukla Ashtami Tithi begins at 09:39 PM on March 16 and concludes at 09:53 AM on March 17. Hence, based on Udayatithi, Phalgun Shukla Ashtami Tithi falls on March 17, marking the commencement of Holashtak. Holashtak ends with Holika Dahan on Phalgun Purnima, scheduled for March 24 2024. Consequently, the eight-day period of Holashtak concludes on March 24, followed by the celebration of the Holi festival on March 25.

During Holashtak, certain activities are traditionally avoided:

No auspicious work or new ventures are initiated.

Major rituals such as marriages, naming ceremonies, house warming and head-shaving ceremonies are postponed.

Observers maintain good conduct, practice restraint, and celibacy.

However, Holashtak also presents opportunities for spiritual practices and penance:

Devotees engage in penance and follow strict spiritual disciplines.

Collecting small pieces of wood daily for Holika Dahan is customary.

Donations of food, clothing, money, and other items are encouraged, resulting in virtuous outcomes.

The period is conducive for chanting, tantra, mantra sadhana, and spiritual pursuits, considered ideal for Tantra Sadhana and Siddhi.

Legend has it that during Holashtak, devotee Prahlad faced trials from his father Hiranyakashyap in his steadfast devotion to Lord Vishnu. Ultimately, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha vanquished Hiranyakashyap, illustrating the triumph of devotion over adversity.