Holashtak
Holashtak is the eight-day run-up to Holi, from Phalguna Shukla Ashtami to Purnima, during which auspicious ceremonies are avoided in North India.
What Holashtak is
Hola (Holi) plus ashtak (eight): the eight days before Holika Dahan, beginning on Phalguna Shukla Ashtami. The legend is that Hiranyakashipu tormented Prahlad on these days until Holika burned on the full moon; another reading has each day ruled by a planet in an afflicted state.
What is avoided
Weddings, engagements, griha pravesh, mundan, naming ceremonies and the purchase of a house or vehicle are postponed until after Holi in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Worship, fasting and charity are encouraged; the days are used to prepare for the Holika fire.
Hastro’s muhurat finder excludes Holashtak for all events. It is not observed in the same way in the South and the East.
FAQ
When does Holashtak start this year?
Eight days before Holika Dahan, whose date for your city Hastro computes above.
Is Holashtak observed everywhere?
Mainly in North and Central India. Maharashtra, Gujarat and the South do not generally pause ceremonies for it.