holashtak 2024 The Hindu festival of colours, Holi, is a time of great joy and celebration, but before the colourful festivities begin, there is a period known as Holashtak. It is an eight-day period that is considered inauspicious, and some certain dos and don’ts should be observed during this time. Through this blog, we will explore the significance of Holashtak, what it means for those celebrating Holi, Holashtak 2024 start and end date, and the traditional practices that are observed during this period. By understanding the customs and traditionsof Holashtak, you can ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and auspicious Holi celebration.

What is Holashtak?

Holashtak is a combination of two words – Ashtak and Hol, where Ashtak means 8 days and Hol means Holi. According to legend, Holashtak is a significant day in Hinduism. In Hinduism, Holashtak occurs in the month of Falgun. Holashtak occurs every year during Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month and Holika Dahan (Phalgun Purnima). Holashtak refers to the eight days leading up to Holi. It is suggested not to engage in any auspicious work during this time because it is seen as unlucky. Holashtak is said to begin this year on March 18, according to Panchang. On the day after Holika Dahan, the festival of Holi is observed. Holashtak is mainly observed in North Indian states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

Why You Should Not Do Anything in Holashtak?

The 8 days of Holashtak are considered inauspicious, and it is believed that one should not buy anything good or start any auspicious ceremony. It is said that in these 8 days before Holi, Prahlad, a follower of Lord Vishnu, was tortured for murder. Thus, the eight days leading up to – Holi—Falgun Shukla Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, and Purnima—are regarded as unlucky. Another story following the Holashtak is that when Kamadeva was burned to ashes due to Lord Shiva’s wrath, it is also thought that Rati, Kamadeva’s wife, had eight dates to repent. Also, it is thought that during these eight days, bad energy and vibe fill the air. Many planets undergo daily motion, and their conditions change. It is believed that black magic and other dark arts are also practised nowadays. In addition, there is greater Tantric education practice during this time.

Holashtak 2024 Start and End Date

Holashtak 2024 start date is March 18. The 8 days before the Holi festival is called the Holashtak, which is believed to be an inauspicious Hindu community in North India. Holashtak 2024 end date is March 24. The Holashtak period reminds us that the Holi festival is near.
  • Holashtak is an 8-day period that starts on Phalgun Shukla Ashtami and ends on Phalgun Purnima (the full moon day).
  • During this period, some people decorate tree branches with colourful cloth pieces. Every family member ties a piece of cloth to the tree, which is later buried in the ground.
  • The final day, Holika Dahan, is celebrated in different ways across regions. Overall, the festival signifies the arrival of spring and a time for family bonding.

Holashtak 2024: What to Do For Minimising Holashtak Effect?

It is believed that negative energies and influences are at their peak during this time. To minimise the Holashtak effect, here are some things you can do:

Perform Spiritual Practices

It is believed that performing spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, and chanting during Holashtak can help in reducing the negative effects. These practices help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote positivity.

Clean Your Home and Surroundings

Cleaning your home and surroundings during Holashtak can help in getting rid of negative energies. This can be done by thoroughly decluttering your home, burning incense, and using essential oils.

Avoid non-vegetarian Food

Many people avoid eating non-vegetarian food during Holashtak because they believe it can attract negative energies. So, it is best to avoid non-vegetarian food during this period.

Donate to the Needy

Donating to the needy during Holashtak is considered to be a good way to reduce the negative effects. This can be done by donating food, clothes, or money to a charitable organisation.

Offer Belpatra

Select Belpatra, write Ram on them with white sandalwood, and offer them to the Shivling while reciting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaay” to get rid of illnesses.

Create a Swastika on Your Front Door

Grind turmeric and rice, add holy Ganga water, and draw Swastik or Om at your front entrance to drive away any bad karma at this time. The house’s negative energy is removed by doing this.

Things To Avoid During Holashtak 2024

Since the Holashtak is an inauspicious time, you must avoid doing a few things. Below listed are the things you must avoid. holashtak 2024

Things To Do in Holashtak 2024

  • You can fast and do pooja throughout these days since Rangbhari Ekadashi, Amalaki Ekadashi, and Pradosh Vrat start at this time.
  • On Falgun Purnima, worship Chandrama and the goddess Lakshmi.
  • On Falgun Purnima, take a Ganga Snan (bath) and give to a good cause.
  • Holashtak is a time of fierce planets. Hence, one should look after themselves. During this time, you can recite the mantras.
The people select a crossroad (Chauraha) on the last day of Holashtak, purify the area with Gangajal, and then scatter some dried wood, grass, and dung cakes there. They gather and add dried branches and twigs, which stand for bad energy, on each day of Holashtak. Then, on the day of Holika Dahan, all of these are set burning.

Conclusion

We are all excited about the Holi, but to harness the positivity and good vibes of the festival, you must be cautious about the Holashtak 2024 start and end date. Do the good deeds mentioned above in the blog to ensure that the inauspicious Holashtak days cause you no harm. To get a personalised reading about yourself based on your zodiac, birth date, and time, connect with Pt. Pawan Kaushik for a detailed report on the effect of Holashtak 2024 on your Kundli and life. Call +91-9990176000 to book an appointment.