Period · 2027
Holashtak 2027: Start and End Dates
Holashtak is the eight days from Phalguna Shukla Ashtami to Holika Dahan, when many North Indian families put off weddings and other ceremonies until after Holi.
Holashtak in 2027
Tuesday, 16 March 2027 – Sunday, 21 March 2027
Phalguna Shukla Ashtami begins: 15 March 2027, 10:51 AM
- Holika Dahan: Sunday, 21 March 2027
- Holi: Monday, 22 March 2027
Rule: The eight days from Phalguna Shukla Ashtami (the day it holds at sunrise; the tithi's own start is given) to Holika Dahan on Phalguna Purnima.
Times are for New Delhi (IST), from our own engine, Lahiri ayanamsa.
What is Holashtak?
Holashtak means “the eight of Holi”. It begins on Phalguna Shukla Ashtami and ends with the Holika fire on Phalguna Purnima; Holi is played the next morning.
Two stories are told. In one, Hiranyakashipu tormented his son Prahlad for eight days for his devotion to Vishnu, until Holika sat with him in the fire and was burnt herself. In the other, Shiva opened his third eye on Ashtami and burnt Kamadeva, who had disturbed his meditation.
In many villages the spot for the Holika fire is marked on the first day, and wood and cow-dung cakes are gathered through the eight days. The custom of avoiding ceremonies is strongest in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh; elsewhere it is often not followed.
What custom avoids
These are customs, not rules; families and regions differ.
- Weddings, engagements and griha pravesh.
- Mundan, namkaran and other samskaras.
- Starting a new business or a major purchase, for those who follow the custom.
Worship, charity and preparation for Holi go on. Many read the story of Prahlad and chant Vishnu’s names in these days.
How we compute it
The start is the day with Phalguna Shukla Ashtami at sunrise (the moment the tithi begins is also given); the end is the Holika Dahan day of our festival calendar, which follows the Bhadra rules for the fire.
Questions people ask
Is Holashtak followed everywhere?
No. It is a North Indian custom, strongest in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Many families in other regions hold ceremonies in these days.
When does Holashtak end?
With Holika Dahan on Phalguna Purnima. Weddings and other ceremonies can be planned from Holi onward, subject to their own muhurat.
Why eight days?
The count is from Ashtami, the eighth tithi, to Purnima; tradition links it with the eight days of Prahlad’s trials.