Holashtak 2024: Holashtak is celebrated eight days before Holika Dahan. This time Holashtak will be held from March 17 to March 24. It is believed that during this time it is prohibited to do any auspicious work. Preparations for Holi start from the day of Holashtak. In such a situation, people do not do auspicious work during Holashtak and avoid doing it.
Why do Holashtak occur? (Why does it sound like Holashtak?)
There is a popular story about Holashtak that King Hiranyakashyap wanted to distance his son Prahlad from the devotion of Lord Vishnu. And for this he tortured Prahlad severely for eight days.
After this, on the eighth day, Prahlad was made to sit in the lap of sister Holika (who had the boon of not getting burnt in fire). But still Prahlad survived. Therefore, in such a situation, these eight days are considered inauspicious and no auspicious work is done.
During Holashtak, all auspicious works including sixteen rituals are stopped. These days, it is prohibited to enter the house or any other building. Not only this, newly married girls are also prohibited from watching the first Holi of their in-laws.
Do not do these things on Holashtak
Holashtak falls on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month. As soon as Holashtak is observed, one should not do any auspicious work including sixteen rituals related to Hindu religion. Be it buying a new house or starting a new business, all auspicious works are stopped.
If someone dies during this period, then peace is also arranged for their last rites. According to a belief, no newly married woman should see her in-laws’ first Holi.
Worship on Holashtak
On one hand, doing any auspicious work including 16 rituals is prohibited during Holashtak, on the other hand this time is also considered best for devotion to God. Doing charity during Holashtak gives special results.
During this time, a person should perform as many Bhagwat bhajans and Vedic rituals as possible, so that he can get relief from all the troubles. According to religious beliefs, chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra in Holashtak provides relief from all types of diseases and maintains good health.