Priyanka Tiwari
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As soon as the month of Falgun is mentioned, people feel a sense of joy because it brings the festival of colors, Holi. This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 14, 2025, while Holika Dahan will take place on March 13, 2025. According to the Hindu calendar, Holashtak will begin on March 8, 2025, marking the start of an inauspicious period. During this time, performing any auspicious activity is considered prohibited.
Many people wonder why Holashtak is observed eight days before Holi and what its religious significance is.
Mythological Significance of Holashtak
The Story of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap
According to Hindu mythology, Holashtak is associated with the story of Prahlad and his father, Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, but his father, Hiranyakashyap, was a powerful demon king who considered himself superior to the gods. He could not tolerate his son's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu and tried to stop him.
For eight days, Hiranyakashyap tortured Prahlad in various ways, attempting to break his faith, but Prahlad remained steadfast in his devotion. Frustrated, Hiranyakashyap ordered his sister, Holika, to kill Prahlad. Holika had received a boon that fire could not burn her, so she sat in a burning pyre with Prahlad on her lap. However, by Lord Vishnu’s grace, Prahlad remained unharmed, and Holika was reduced to ashes.
The gods, planets, and celestial beings were angered by the way Prahlad was treated during these eight days, which is why Holashtak is considered inauspicious, and no auspicious work is performed during this time.
Another Mythological Story - The Destruction of Kaamdev
Another legend linked to Holashtak is the story of Lord Shiva and Kaamdev.
It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva opened his third eye and destroyed Kaamdev (the god of love). As a result, all celestial beings mourned the loss of Kaamdev. Seeing this grief, Kaamdev's wife, Rati, prayed to Lord Shiva to bring him back to life. Moved by her devotion and prayers, Lord Shiva granted Kaamdev life again.
Why is Holashtak Considered Inauspicious?
Due to the suffering of Prahlad and the mourning of celestial beings over Kaamdev’s destruction, the period of Holashtak is considered inauspicious. During these eight days:
- Marriage, housewarming, and other auspicious events are avoided.
- People refrain from starting new business ventures.
- Devotees observe prayers and fasting to prepare for the festival of Holi.
After Holashtak ends, the celebrations of Holi begin with Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Holashtak holds deep religious significance in Hindu traditions, serving as a reminder of devotion, sacrifice, and divine justice. The festival of Holi, which follows Holashtak, brings joy and unity, celebrating the triumph of faith over fear.
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