Last year, two or three days before Holi, around 8:30 pm, my Mother and I were walking to the
chemist.
On our way, we saw police officers and a bunch of residents standing near a Peepal tree. They
had complained how someone from their building had been putting lemons, certain leaves,
kumkum, and placing objects in a deliberate pattern. Apparently, this had been happening for
the past few nights.
No one knew what exactly was being done, but everyone felt something was off. I have heard
multiple stories of black magic or darkness amplifying before Holi but this was the first time I
was witnessing something like this in person.
Some people call it ritual practice, occult work, or negative intention, but the fact is these things
do exist and certain time periods amplify them.
One such time is Holashtak, the eight days leading up to Holi.
Before I proceed further, remember this post is for awareness and not to build fear.
What is Holashtak?
It begins on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna and
culminates on Holika Dahan. According to our scriptures, this period is considered energetically
unstable.
It is recommended to avoid:
● Weddings
● Griha Pravesh
● Engagements
● Major financial commitments
● Starting new ventures
Basically, anything auspicious. And why is that? Because this is believed to be a time of
energetic turbulence and sensitivity. Occult is beyond the understanding of common man, what
is just another night for you might be an energetic potent window for a Tantrik practitioner.
And no, not all rituals are negative. Tantra if used correctly is very positive but not all intention is
pure.
Prahlad and Holika: The Symbolism
The story associated with this period tells us everything we need to know.

Hiranyakashipu represents ego and domination
Holika represents misuse of power
Prahlada represents unwavering faith
Holika had a boon that protected her from fire. But intention matters. Ego made her believe if
she misuses her power nothing will happen. But she burned, Prahlad survived.
The lesson? Darkness may rise but it cannot overpower grounded faith.
Practical Awareness During Holashtak
This is not superstition, it’s cultural and cosmic wisdom passed down through generations.
During Holashtak, be mindful:
● avoid starting auspicious events or new projects
● Keep your hair tied when stepping out at night
● Be aware of what you step over on the streets
● Do not pick up unknown objects
● Keep your home energetically and physically clean
● Avoid late-night wanderings unnecessarily
Do Not Be Afraid
You are naive if you believe darkness and evil do not exist. But to fear energy blindly is
weakness. The path you need you choose is of awareness.
Even if negative intention exists somewhere, it cannot overpower a disciplined, stable, and
grounded mind. It’s easy to get affected by negativity when your energetic boundaries are weak.
So don’t let fear, obsession, and emotional instability break your energetic boundaries. When
darkness rises collectively, the instruction is simple:
Do not panic
Do not obsess
Do not dramatise
Be like Prahlad and strengthen your own light.
Holashtak Is a Test of Inner Stability

This period is not a curse; it is a phase of purification. Holashtak reminds us that the world
contains both shadow and light. Your job is not to deny the darkness, it is to focus on the light
and remain unshaken.
And always remember the most important spiritual principle: energy flows where attention goes.
So where will your energy flow in the coming days?

Hope you all a wonderful Holi