Just 9 days left! Holashtak 2026 kicks off on February 24 and devotees across North India are already preparing.
If you are planning any big event this month, pause and check the Hindu Panchang first. The eight (sometimes nine) days of Holashtak are considered highly inauspicious in most Hindu communities. Marriages, griha pravesh, new business launches – almost everything auspicious is strictly avoided.
Holashtak 2026: Exact Dates & Timings (Ujjain, IST)
- Start: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Ashtami Tithi begins: 07:02 AM on 24 Feb
- Ashtami Tithi ends: 04:52 AM on 25 Feb
- Sunrise: 06:56 AM | Sunset: 06:23 PM
- Moonrise: 11:18 AM | Moonset: 01:30 AM
Holika Dahan 2026: Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Rangwali Holi 2026: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
This year the period runs for a full nine days because of the way the tithi falls.
What Exactly is Holashtak?
The word “Holashtak” comes from Holi + Ashtak (eight days). It starts from Phalgun Shukla Ashtami and ends on Phalgun Purnima – the day of Holika Dahan. In North India this is the time when people believe the planets go through major shifts, making results of any new work uncertain.
That is why grandmothers still say, “Holashtak mein kuch shubh kaam mat karo.”
Simple Rituals You Can Follow
1. Tie the cloth on the tree – On the first day (24 Feb), families tie colourful cloth pieces on a neem or babul tree branch. The branch is later used in Holika Dahan.
2. Collect sticks daily – Every evening, people add one or two dry sticks to the Holika pile. By Purnima, the pile is ready.
3. Daan is highly auspicious – This is the best time to donate clothes, grains, blankets and money. The more you give during Holashtak, the more punya you earn, say pandits.
The Two Ancient Stories Behind Holashtak
Story 1 (Vishnu Puran): Demon king Hiranyakashipu tortured his devotee son Prahlada for eight straight days. These eight days became Holashtak. On the ninth day, Holika tried to burn Prahlada but failed – the origin of Holika Dahan.
Story 2 (Shiv Puran): Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva to ashes on Phalgun Ashtami when he disturbed his meditation. Rati’s prayers brought him back to life later. That is why the period is also linked to intense tapasya and spiritual power.
Why Holashtak Matters in 2026
With Holi falling early this year, many working professionals are confused about dates. If you were thinking of fixing a wedding in late February, better shift it after 4 March. Even small things like buying a new vehicle or starting a shop are usually postponed.
Astrologers say the nine planets are in a state of flux during these days, so energy is better used for charity and inner cleansing instead of new beginnings.
Quick Tip for Readers
If you cannot avoid an important task, at least perform a small Ganesh puja and seek blessings before starting anything during Holashtak.
Holashtak is not just about restrictions. It is the beautiful build-up to the festival of colours. In nine days, the same streets that look quiet today will be filled with laughter, gulaal and water balloons.
So mark your calendars, start your daan, and get ready – the season of joy is almost here!
Holi 2026 is just around the corner. Stay updated with daily Panchang and festival alerts right here.
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