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Holashtak 2025 runs from March 7 to March 13, ending on Holika Dahan. This period is seen as inauspicious for new ventures due to negative planetary influences. Worship and charity are encouraged.
Holashtak 2025: This period will begin on March 7, 2025 and end on March 13, 2025. (Image: Shutterstock)
Holashtak 2025: Holi is a festival that everyone looks forward to as it brings joy and excitement. But before Holi, there is a period called Holashtak which starts eight days before the festival and ends with Holika Dahan. Many consider this period inauspicious to begin any important activities. People believe that doing things like weddings, housewarmings or starting new ventures during Holashtak may lead to bad outcomes.
Here’s the dates of Holashtak 2025, its religious importance, traditions and the activities that are better avoided during this time, and what can be done during this period.
Holashtak 2025: Dates
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, a renowned astrologer from the Mudgal Astrology Centre, stated that according to the Rishikesh Panchang, Holashtak in 2025 will begin on March 7 and end on March 13, the day of Holika Dahan. Holi will be celebrated on March 14.
Holashtak 2025: Why Is This Period Considered Inauspicious?
Holashtak is considered an inauspicious period because no auspicious events are believed to take place during these eight days. According to Hindu legends, the story behind this lies in the tale of King Hiranyakashyap and his son, Prahlad. The king, who was against the worship of Lord Vishnu, decided to kill his son who was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap set the full moon day of Phalgun to carry out his plan.
For eight days before the final act, King Hiranyakashyap tortured Prahlad in many cruel ways but his son’s faith in Lord Vishnu remained unshaken. Unable to break his devotion, Hiranyakashyap turned to his sister, Holika, for help.
Holika was blessed with a cloak that made her immune to fire. The king had ordered her to sit in a fire with Prahlad in her lap so that his son would burn to death and she comes out unharmed.
However, as they sat in the flames, Prahlad prayed to Lord Vishnu. As he prayed, the magical cloak that protected Holika flew off and covered Prahlad. This way, he was saved from the fire while Holika burned to ashes. Since these events took place during the eight days of Holashtak, this period is considered inauspicious for any new beginnings. Hence, it is advised not to perform any important rituals or ceremonies during this time.
Holashtak 2025: Religious Significance
Holashtak holds significant religious meaning in the Hindu calendar. During this time, people are advised to be cautious as it is considered a period of unfavourable energies. The name Holashtak is a combination of “Holi” and “Ashtak” which signify the eight days before Holi.
According to astrology, this period is marked by intense planetary movements that make it inauspicious for starting any important or auspicious activities. It is believed that the planets are not aligned positively during Holashtak and all eight major planets are believed to exert negative energies. Due to these planetary positions, it is considered a time when starting new ventures or ceremonies can lead to difficulties.
Holashtak 2025: Traditions
During Holashtak, there are certain activities which are traditionally avoided:
- Amid Holashtak, starting new business or personal ventures is not advisable. People avoid beginning any new work or projects during this time.
- Haircuts and nail trimming are generally avoided during Holashtak.
- Major celebrations and rituals such as weddings are usually postponed during this time.
- Buying new things like gold, silver, vehicles or land should be avoided.
- Avoid tamasic foods like garlic, onion, eggs and meat.
Holashtak 2025: What To Do During This Period?
During Holashtak, worshipping Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva is considered highly beneficial. Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is also encouraged as it is believed to bring positive changes in life. Acts of charity such as donating food, clothing, money and other essentials are recommended.
