Holashtak 2012: Pune, Maharashtra

Holashtak begins on Phalguna Shukla Ashtami (the eighth day of Phalguna's bright half) and ends on Phalguna Purnima (the full moon, i.e., Holika Dahan night). These eight days (ashtami through purnima) are considered inauspicious for new ventures and celebrations in North Indian tradition.

The mythology behind Holashtak is rooted in the story of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu. The demon king Hiranyakashipu, enraged that his son Prahlada refused to worship him and instead remained devoted to Vishnu, devised eight consecutive tortures over eight days to kill Prahlada. Each day a different planetary force was invoked against the boy: the Moon (for mental suffering), Sun (burning), Saturn (crushing), Venus (drowning), Jupiter (deception), Mars (fire), Mercury (poison), and Rahu (dark fears). Yet Prahlada survived each ordeal through Vishnu's grace. These eight days of demonic cruelty are commemorated as Holashtak.

On the final day (Purnima), Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika (immune to fire by a divine boon) entered a pyre holding Prahlada. But the boon required her to not misuse it; she burned while Prahlada emerged unharmed. The burning of Holika that night is Holika Dahan, and the next morning is Holi.

During Holashtak, families in UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab avoid marriages, buying property, starting businesses, or taking important vows. Pilgrims visiting Mathura and Vrindavana, however, find that the Braj region celebrates all eight days with great joy: as this is Krishna's own Holi season.