holashtak 2026Image Credit source: AI
Holashtak 2026 Date: Everyone waits for the festival of colors, Holi, but do you know that just 8 days before Holi, a time begins which is considered extremely inauspicious in Hindu religion? This is called Holashtak. During this period, all auspicious functions like marriage, housewarming and mundan are banned. Let us know when Holashtak is starting in the year 2026 and what are the religious and scientific beliefs behind it.
When is Holashtak 2026? (Holashtak Start and End Date)
According to the Panchang, Holashtak starts from the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month, which continues till the full moon (Holika Dahan).
- Start: 24 February 2026 (Tuesday)
- Expiry: 03 March 2026 (Full Moon Date)
Total duration: 8 days
Why are these 8 days considered inauspicious?
Both religious and astrological reasons have been given for not doing auspicious work during Holashtak.
Tortures of devotee Prahlad
According to the legend, Hiranyakashyap had tortured his son Prahlad severely in these 8 days to make him leave his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Prahlad had suffered a lot from Ashtami till Purnima (when Holika Dahan took place). Therefore, no happy work is done considering these days as a symbol of mourning and suffering.
fierce position of planets
According to astrology, during Holashtak, major planets like Moon, Sun, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are in a fierce state. Due to this adverse position of the planets, a person’s decision making ability gets affected and the work started at this time has less chances of being successful.
cupid’s ashes
According to another belief, on the day of Phalgun Shukla Ashtami, Lord Shiva opened his third eye and incinerated Kamadeva. Due to this negativity and mourning prevalent in the world, it was also considered an inauspicious period.
What not to do in Holashtak?
Negative energy is high during Holashtak, hence these activities should be avoided.
Marriage and Engagement: It is prohibited to get married during this period.
Home Entrance: Moving into a new house or buying a new house is not considered auspicious.
New Business: Avoid starting any new work or business.
Sanskar work: 16 rituals like Mundan, Namkaran or Janeu should be postponed at this time.
Newlywed’s in-laws house: In many places, there is a tradition that the new bride celebrates her first Holi after marriage in her maternal home.
What should be done during this time?
Even though these days are not good for auspicious works, this time is considered best for worship and charity.
- Worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha.
- Chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’.
- Donate grains, clothes or money to the poor, this reduces the negative effects of the planets.
- To avoid negativity during these 8 days, one should worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Narasimha and it is auspicious to do charity, because the worship done during this time gives special results.
Also read: There are footprints of Bajrangbali in this temple, it was here that he rested for Sanjeevani Booti!
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.