Holashtak-Time to be Careful

Eight day prior to the festival Holi are collectively known as "Holashtak". The word 'ashtak' means 'eight'. This period commence from the lunar month of Phalgun and on ashtami tithi and it ends on Phalgun Poornima. This period of eight days is considered as highly inauspicious , specially in north India.No auspicious work is commence during this period.This period is considered is very important for Taantriks as this is the most favourable period for fulfilling their goals through 'Saadhna'.They attain special powers during this time which can be used in a desired way.At the begining of Holashtak,on day 1, the place where Holika dahan has to be performed after 8 days is cleaned with Ganga Jal.Then pyre is created specifically with a wood which are collected from the broken branches of trees.All the 16 sanskaars of hindu are not performed during this period. In case of a death, the last rites are performed only after special prayer to ward off the evil effect of Holashtak.It is believe that on day one of Holashtak, Lord Shiva burned the Kaam dev with HIS fire of anger.

Holika

Holika was the sister of Hiranyakashipu, the king of the demons. His son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. His devotion towards Lord vshnu irritates his father regularly. All his attempt to convince his son failed.Finally he decided to kill him. He ordered his sister, Holika to perform this duty. Holika had a boon that if she wore a piece of special cloth on her head then even a fire could not detroy her. To fulfill her duty she took Prahalad in her lap and wore that special cloth over her head and both sat in the fire. But miracle happened. All of a sudden strong wind started to blew.As a result that protected cloth flew from his head and it fell upon Prahalad’s head. In the absence of that protective cloth she burnt alive and the fire could not able to harm Prahlad .On Holi eve a pyre made of cow dung, representing Holika, is prepared and set fire in special muhurat. This is a legend behind holi. This night is also important for tantric kriyaas.Intrestingly 8 days before holi is considered as “Holashtak” which is considered as malefic period. No auspicious work is done during that period. So, the festival of holi has a lot of meanings