Holashtak 2026: Holashtak starts eight days before Holi. Holashtak will start from 24th February, and it ends on Holika Dahan. Know which works should not be done during this period.

Holashtak 2026: The month of Phalgun will begin on February 2, 2026. People eagerly await the festivals of Mahashivratri and Holi in Phalgun. The eight days preceding Holi are considered very important. Holashtak begins exactly eight days before Holika Dahan. Auspicious and auspicious activities are prohibited during this period, filled with negative energies. Extreme caution is required during this time. So, find out when Holashtak begins in 2026 and what day Holi falls on.

When does Holashtak start in 2026?

Holashtak begins on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna month and continues until the full moon day of Phalguna month. This year, Holashtak begins on February 24, 2026, and will conclude on March 3, 2026, with the burning of Holika.

Holi begins on Basant Panchami. Gulal is offered to Baba Mahakal from Basant Panchami until Holi. In other places, Holi sticks are also planted on this day.

What is Holashtak

The demon king Hiranya Kashyapa considered himself a god. He wanted to subjugate his Vishnu-devotee son, Prahlad, by intimidating and threatening him with severe torture. He subjected Prahlad to severe torture for eight days, a period known as Holashtak. 

What not to do during Holashtak

The scriptures state that 16 auspicious ceremonies, such as the naming ceremony, the sacred thread ceremony, house warming, and marriage ceremonies, should not be performed during these days. Furthermore, no havan or yagya is performed during these days. The scriptures also state that newly married girls should stay at their parents' homes when Holashtak begins.

During Holashtak, do not accept or eat anything from strangers. Negative energy is high during this period. Therefore, you should avoid consuming anything given by anyone.

Holika Dahan 2026

This year, Holika Dahan is on March 3rd, and Holi of Colors is on March 4th, 2026. The auspicious time for Holika Dahan is from 6:22 pm to 8:50 pm.