Holashtak 2025: A different kind of fun begins as soon as the month of Falgun arrives. After all, Holi, the festival of colours, is this month! This yea,r Holi is on March 14, 2025,5 and Holika Dahanis March 13rch. That is, Holashtak will start on March 8. Why has no auspicious work been done in Holashtak? The story behind this is fascinating.
Prahlad’s devotion and hiranyakashyap’s anger
According to mythology, when Prahlad, immersed in Lord Vishnu’s devotion, disobeyed his father, Hiranyakashyap, Hiranyakashyap tortured him for eight days. But Prahlad’s devotion remained unwavering.
Hiranyakashyap ordered his sister Holika to burn Prahlad in the fire. Holika had a boon that fire could not burn her. But by the grace of Lord Vishnu, Holika died in the fire, and Prahlad was saved.
Anger of the planets
All the planets and gods were furious during Prahlad’s eight days of torture. Therefore, no auspicious work has been done in Holashtak, and it is believed to be unsuccessful.
Ashes of Kamadeva and Lamentation of Rati
According to another legend, Lord Shiva reduced Kamadeva to ashes with his third eye on the day of Holashtak. Kamadeva’s death caused mourning in Devlok. His wife, Rati, prayed to Lord Shiva and pleaded for his rebirth.
Lord Shiva heard Rati’s prayer and revived Kamadeva. Therefore, Holashtak is also seen as a mixture of mourning and celebration.
Holashtak: At a glance
When it happens: 8 days before Holi
What happens: Auspicious work is forbidden
Why it happens: Prahlad’s devotion and the wrath of the planets
Significance: Symbol of the victory of good over evil
Holashtak reminds us that the power of devotion and faith is the greatest. It also teaches us that we should not give up under any circumstances.