When Does Holashtak Begin? The month of Falguna in 2026 begins on February 2nd, and this month includes major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Holi, which people eagerly await. This period of Falguna is considered extremely important from a religious and cultural perspective, as it is a month of auspicious occasions and festivals. During this time, people are busy making positive changes in their lives and preparing for celebrations.

The period of Holashtak begins exactly eight days before Holi, and it is considered to be filled with negative energies from an astrological point of view. Performing any auspicious or religious ceremonies is prohibited during this time, so caution is extremely important. Knowing the start date of Holashtak and the date of Holi in 2026 is important so that religious traditions and timing can be followed correctly during this period.

When does Holashtak 2026 begin?

The period of Holashtak is considered to begin from the eighth day of the bright half of the month of Falguna and continues until the full moon. In 2026, it will begin on February 24th and end on March 3rd with Holika Dahan. This time is considered extremely important from a religious point of view because the influence of negative energies increases during this period. The Holi festival begins with Basant Panchami, and on this occasion, gulal (colored powder) is offered to Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva). In many places, the Holi stick is also planted on this day, which is part of the tradition.

Significance of Holashtak

The origin of Holashtak is linked to a mythological story. The demon king Hiranyakashipu considered himself God and subjected his son Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, to severe torture for eight days to bring him under his control. These eight days of hardship and inauspiciousness is called Holashtak. It is considered a time filled with negative energies; therefore, special caution is advised during this period.
Holashtak is an eight-day period during which certain specific activities are considered prohibited, while worship and meditation are considered auspicious. During this period, it is advised not to perform marriages, housewarmings, start new businesses, or undertake any other auspicious activities. It is believed that negative energies are at their peak during these days, which can create obstacles in auspicious endeavors and prevent desired results.

What to do during Holashtak

Performing certain activities during Holashtak is considered auspicious. Giving charity during this period is considered highly fruitful. Donating food, money, and other essential items to the needy is considered beneficial. Doing so increases happiness and prosperity in the home and infuses positive energy into life.

Additionally, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra with devotion during worship and meditation is considered particularly fruitful. These practices not only reduce sorrows and troubles in life but also bring the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Performing these activities during Holashtak increases mental peace, improves health, and brings balance to family life.

What not to do during Holashtak
According to the scriptures, several auspicious and religious ceremonies should be avoided during Holashtak. These include the 16 sacraments, such as the naming ceremony, sacred thread ceremony, housewarming, and marriage ceremony. Furthermore, havans, yagnas, and other religious rituals are not performed during this time. Newly married girls, in particular, should stay at their parents' home during this period.

During this time, one should not consume any food or items given by strangers, as negative energies are more active. Maintaining caution and restraint is considered extremely important during this period.

Holika Dahan and Holi 2026

This year, Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 3, 2026, while Holi with colors will be celebrated on March 4, 2026. The auspicious time for Holika Dahan will be from 6:22 PM to 8:50 PM. This time is traditionally considered symbolic of destroying evil forces and invoking positive energy.

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