Holashtak 2025 Start and End Date: What to do and avoid during Holashtak?

As we all know that the festival of colours, Holi is around the corner but before that we should know that there are some days which are considered inauspicious and that period is popularly known as Holashtak. Holashtak is an eight-day period that begins on the eighth day of the moon's waxing phase, or Shukla Paksha, in the month of Phalgun and ends on Purnima, the day of the full moon. According to the Hindu Panchang, Holashtak is going to begin from March 7, 2025 and it will conclude on the day of Holika Dahan i.e., on March 13, 2025.

Holashtak 2025: Date and Time

Holashtak 2025: Significance

Holashtak days are considered inauspicious that begins from Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha and few days before Holi festival and conclude on the day of Holika Dahan, a ceremonial burning that represents the triumph of good over evil. As the name suggests "Holashtak" which means "Holi" and "Ashtak," these eight days is related to Holi. It is considered unlucky to engage in any auspicious actions during Holashtak, which starts eight days prior to the Holi festival. The preparation of Holika dahan starts during Holashtak.

According to astrology, it is believed that due to significant planetary positions and changes, this time frame is considered unlucky for beginning new endeavors. During these days, people get ready for Holi by taking part in various religious and spiritual activities like mantra chanting, fasting, and charitable giving, it is a time for devotion and cleansing.
With Holi, it represents letting go of bad ideas and getting ready for a fresh, vibrant start.

Holashtak 2025: Do’s

Spiritual Activities

One must get involved in religious and spiritual activities such as offering prayers, doing meditation, and mantra chanting as these remedies can help to remove the bad impact of the planets and negative energy.

Donation and Charity

It is considered meritorious to distribute food, clothes and money to the unprivileged people. Doing charity, providing food for the underprivileged, and assisting animals are all very fortunate during this time period.

Worship Lord Vishnu and Narasimha

People are advised to worship Lord Vishnu during these days and they must recite the Vishnu Sahastranama, Vishnu Mantras, Shri Hari Stotra and seek blessings of the Lord as Bhakta Prahalad worshipped Shri Hari with pure intentions.

Maintain Self-Control

You must have a control over your senses and avoid from being angry, thinking negatively, and speaking harshly. One must maintain a celibacy during this time period.

Holashtak 2025: Don’ts

Avoid New Beginnings

One should avoid getting married, buying a house, Griha Pravesh, starting a new business or job, and performing ritual like thread ceremonies (Upanayanam).

No Graha Shanti Pujas

One must avoid Griha Shanti Pujas as these pujas are based on planetary position and during this time period, [it is best to stay away from this type of ceremonies.

Avoid Hair Cuts

Avoid going for haircuts and do not cut your nails during these days, according to traditional beliefs, these activities might bring bad luck.

Do not touch suspicious things outside home

Do not touch anything suspicious, which is specially kept on Chauraha, you might get affected by negative energy.

Avoid purchasing clothes

People are advised not to go for shopping during these days and avoid buying new clothes, shoes, or any ornament (gold, silver, or artificial jwellery).