Holika Dahan is performed on the full moon day of Falgun month across the country, but eight days before this, the inauspicious period starts from Falgun Ashtami, which is known as Holashtak. During this period of Holashtak, it is forbidden to do any auspicious work. It is believed that any auspicious work done during Holashtak is unsuccessful, and blessings also go in vain. This period is also said to be full of illness and suffering. But why are the days of Holashtak considered inauspicious? Let us know about its reasons in detail.
What is Holashtak?
The words ‘Holi’ and ‘Ashtaka, ‘ which indicate the eight days before Holi, have been combined to form the word ‘Holashtak. ‘ Religious traditions say that it is inauspicious to perform all auspicious events, including marriage, ceremony, mundan (tonsure ceremony), Graha Pravesh, etc., and should be avoided during these eight days. During Holashtak, all the planets are in unfavorable, i.e., weak position, due to which the result of good works can be negative.
Why is Holashtak considered inauspicious?
During the eight days of Holashtak, from the astrological point of view, this time is considered inauspicious due to the position of the planets and the dates. During this time, the possibility of the transmission of negative energy is considered high due to the position of planets like Mars and Saturn. As a result, it is not considered right to do any new or auspicious work.
According to an old belief, Holashtak is associated with demonic powers. This time is considered a symbol of untruth and darkness. The eight days of Holashtak are considered to be dominated by demons, due to which this time can cause negativity and unrest in the house. Therefore, doing any auspicious work is avoided at this time.
What happens in Holashtak?
Holashtak is a special religious time in Hinduism, which lasts for eight days before the festival of Holi. This period occurs just before the start of Holi and is considered inauspicious, due to which any auspicious work such as marriage, housewarming, or any other important work is avoided during this time. There are special religious beliefs and traditions during Holashtak that are associated with making this time inauspicious.
Holashtak begins eight days before Holi, and it lasts till the night of Holika Dahan. That is, Holashtak begins from Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month and ends on the day of Holika Dahan.
The position of the planets during Holashtak is such that this time is not considered suitable for auspicious work. According to astrology, the position of some planets during this time has a negative effect, so starting any new work is avoided at this time.
What to do and what not to do during Holashtak?
Some special religious and cultural beliefs must be followed during Holashtak. This time lasts for eight days before the festival of Holi, and during this time, some tasks are considered inauspicious, while some special tasks are considered auspicious and positive.
Here is information about what to do and what not to do during Holashtak:
What to do during Holashtak?
During this time, meditation, sadhana, and religious prayers protect against negative energy. You can worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, or Ram. This time is considered good for attaining spiritual purity and peace.
Some people observe fasts during Holashtak, such as a fruit fast or a simple diet. At this time, worship is done by fasting for the purification of the soul. It purifies the body and soul and removes negative energy.
It is considered auspicious to recite Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita during Holashtak. This gives mental peace, and positive energy flows in the house.
It is considered good to clean the house before Holika Dahan and maintain purity to remove negativity. There is a tradition of burning evil and negativity on the night of Holika Dahan.
Chanting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Shri Ram,” especially at this time, is beneficial for mental peace and prosperity.
Follow your rituals at this time, like attending satsang or doing bhajan-kirtan, so that the atmosphere remains positive.
What not to do during @Holashtak?
No new work or auspicious work like housewarming, marriage, starting a new business, etc., should be done during Holashtak. It is considered inauspicious, as this time is not suitable for auspicious works.
Any kind of dispute, quarrel, or negative thinking should be avoided at this time. This is the time to remain calm to avoid negativity during Holashtak.
Impure or tamasic food should be avoided during this time. Do not consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or impure substances, as they can affect your mental and physical health.
Excessive celebrations and the use of colors should be avoided during Holashtak. Excessive fun with colors can disrupt the sanctity of this time.
Any kind of over-busyness and over-comfort should be avoided during this time. This time is for peace and meditation, so do not waste it on useless things.