Gandhinagar: From March 6th to April 14th, residents of Gujarat will observe a period considered inauspicious for major life events, marked first by Holashtak and then by Minarak. This period, spanning over a month, will see a halt to weddings and other significant ceremonies.

The eight-day period known as Holashtak, preceding the festival of Holi, commences on March 6th at 10:52 AM and lasts until March 14th at 12:25 PM. Astrological texts dictate that the period leading up to Holika Dahan (the burning of Holika) is inauspicious. This is based on the legend of Prahlad, where preparations to harm him were initiated eight days before Holika Dahan.

During Holashtak, performing auspicious activities is discouraged. However, practices such as chanting, rituals, Shiva worship, storytelling, and satsang are considered beneficial.

Immediately following Holashtak, Minarak begins and lasts until April 14th. This period, coinciding with the Sun’s transit into Pisces (Meena Rashi), is also considered inauspicious for major life events.

The combination of Holashtak and Minarak means that from March 6th to April 14th, a complete pause on auspicious activities, especially weddings, will be observed.

Despite the restrictions on major life events, religious observances like Chaitra Navratri will be held during Minarak, allowing for various religious rituals and ceremonies.

This year, the timing of Holika Dahan on March 13th has sparked debate due to the presence of Bhadra, a period considered unfavorable for auspicious ceremonies. According to traditional rules, Bhadra should be avoided during Holika Dahan. This year, Bhadra lasts until 10:44 PM on March 13th, leaving a narrow window of only 1 hour and 40 minutes (from 10:44 PM to 12:30 AM) for the Holika dahan ritual.

Some almanacs consider the Bhadra occurring on Thursday as “Punyavati” (auspicious), suggesting a Muhurat (auspicious time) of 6:55 PM after sunset. However, due to the general avoidance of Bhadra, the late-night timing is considered more appropriate.