Holashtak 2026: Do's and Don'ts to follow during these eight days

Holashtak, the eight days are considered extremely powerful that starts eight days before Holi from Ashtami tithi of Shuka Paksha in the month of Phalguna. This period ends on the day of Holika Dahan.

According to Hindu religion, these days are considered inappropriate to perform any auspicious activity. This period is known to be highly spiritual, intense and sensitive because of the planetary positions so there are certain activities, which are avoided during these days. Also, these days are connectes with Bhakt Prahalad and the burning Holia that represents the victory of good over evil. Let's move ahead and check out the guidelines which you all need to follow during these powerful days of Holashtak.

Here are the important do’s and don’ts to follow during Holashtak:

What to do during Holashtak:

Engage in religious activities

People are advised to perform daily prayer and get involved in daily worshipping, do religious and spiritual activities such as doing trikal sandhya (lighting a diya three times a day), offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and reading sacred scriptures.

Perform hawan

These days are considered extremely powerful so one should perform hawan daily devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Mantra chanting

As we know that these days are considered highly intense and sensitive so people should chant mantra associated with Lord Vishnu and seek blessings.

Meditation

People who are highly sensitive are advised to get involved in spiritual activities such doing meditation, performing yoga and pranayam.

Donation and Charity

Donation is the powerful activity that one must do during these days. Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy during Holashtak is believed to reduce negative karmic effects

What to avoid during Holashtak:

1. Avoid aspicious activity

You are advised to avoid auspicious activities during these days of Holashtak as these days are considered intense so one must avoid.

2. Avoid Griha Pravesh

People are advised to avoid griha pravesh during these days as these are not appropriate for doing such activity.

3. Avoid marriage/engagement/roka

These activities indicates new beginning so one must avoid starting their new life journey.

4. New Business or Job

People should avoid starting new business venture, signing papers, joining new job and making investment should also be avoided during these eight days.

5. Avoid haircut

You need to be careful before going for hair cut because these days are not appropriate for that so better avoid doing that.

6. Avoid property deals

You should avoid property deals - purchasing or selling of property during be avoided during these days.