Holashtak 2015: Eight days before Holi

Eight days before the colorful festival Holi are known as Holashtak. Holashtak 2015 will begin from February 26 and will continue till March 05 Duration of Holashtak is considered inauspicious for beginning new activities. To know all about Holashtak, read our article by expert astrologer ‘Nitin Datta’.

These eight days have not been appreciated well in our literatures. In fact, no auspicious occasion is celebrated during this time period. Events like housewarming (Griha Pravesh), marriage (Vivah), conceiving, and fresh start to an activity is not performed during Holashtak. This tradition is more prevalent in North India and is somewhat not followed in South India. There should be some good logic behind this concept. In the absence of logic, it would be very questionable and objectionable to follow it.

Our literature states that Lord Shiva got angry on Kamdeva and annihilated him on the first day of Holashtak. Fire has got a unique place in our worship. Be it the end of longevity (human life),end of a worship or digestion of food in the human body, it is the fire element that drives the end results. Even the concluding activity in worship is a Hawan only. As per traditions of Hinduism, Holi is celebrated because Holika died on this day and Prahlad was saved from fire by Lord Vishnu’s grace. Thus, Holi was named after this incident. In older days, people used to contribute a piece of wood or two for Holika bonfire.

Interestingly, during these eight days, the Tantra sect gains much power and propitiates the deities with full strength. It is very evident that when positive/Sattvik powers get subdued, the Tamasik forces would get activated. Remember that Holashtak does not stop anyone from worship, but it is necessary to perform it within the domain of the family.

This period is meant to be bypassed and it is followed by the Holika Dahan and Holi celebration with colors. The ash left over after the Holika Dahan is considered very auspicious. Normally, people collect it and store it for application on the forehead as Tilak. Holi is the festival of colors and it is a moment of joy, as it brings family members together. Enjoy this festival to the fullest, but keeping in mind the significance of Holashtak.

It is believed that during the 8 days of Holashtak; Moon, Sun, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Rahu undergo transformations on eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth day, respectively. Due to these alterations, these eight days are not considered favorable.

On the first day of Holashtak, two wooden sticks are taken, out of which, one is assumed to be Holika and other as Prahlad. These sticks are then established and from that moment till the day of Holika Dahan, any auspicious activity is not initiated. On this day, the location for celebrating Holika Dahan rituals are also selected. This place is then cleaned with Ganja Jal (holy water of river Ganges).

As per the beliefs of Hindu community, Shubh Kaarya (auspicious tasks) like marriage, starting any new venture, Bhumi Pujan, and the 16 sacred Sanskaras (rituals) are strictly prohibited. During the period of these eight days, making donations to the needy is considered very fruitful. It should be noted that Holashtak is not observed throughout the country and is significant for the North Indians mainly. Therefore, the above said tasks are prohibited by these people only.

Click here for Marriage Muhurat in 2015: Vivaha Muhurat 2015
Click here for Housewarming Muhurat in 2015: Griha Pravesh Muhurat 2015

This was all about Holashtak. We hope this article will help you in understanding these eight days more clearly. Holashtak gives the message that Holi is approaching, so start your preparations and make Holi 2015 a marvellous experience.

Happy Holi 2015!