If you’re planning any important work or religious ritual on 24 February 2026, pause for a moment. From this Tuesday, the sacred but inauspicious Holashtak period begins, traditionally believed to restrict all auspicious and ceremonial activities. The day also carries the spiritual weight of Durga Ashtami Vrat, making it astrologically and culturally significant.
24 February 2026 Panchang Details
- Tithi: Shukla Paksha Ashtami - valid throughout the day and night until 4:52 AM (25 Feb)
- Yoga: Vaidhriti Yoga - until 4:26 AM (25 Feb)
- Nakshatra: Krittika - until 3:07 PM
- Day: Tuesday
- Bhadra: Swarga Loka Bhadra
- Fasting/Festival: Durga Ashtami Vrat, Holashtak Begins
Auspicious Muhurat on 24 February 2026
- Brahma Muhurat: 5:23 AM to 6:12 AM
- Pratah Sandhya: 5:47 AM to 7:01 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:28 PM to 1:15 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:49 PM to 3:35 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 6:40 PM to 7:05 PM
These Muhurat windows are considered spiritually powerful for prayer, meditation, and routine sacred acts. However, due to the start of Holashtak, major ceremonies such as marriage, housewarming, or property purchase are traditionally avoided.
Rahu Kaal on 24 February 2026 (City-Wise)
Rahu Kaal is an astrologically inauspicious period when starting new work is discouraged. Ongoing tasks may continue.
- Delhi: 3:26 PM - 4:52 PM
- Mumbai: 3:47 PM - 5:14 PM
- Chandigarh: 3:27 PM - 4:52 PM
- Lucknow: 3:12 PM - 4:38 PM
- Bhopal: 3:27 PM - 4:54 PM
- Kolkata: 2:44 PM - 4:11 PM
- Ahmedabad: 3:46 PM - 5:13 PM
- Chennai: 3:19 PM - 4:48 PM
Sunrise and Sunset Time
- Sunrise: 7:01 AM
- Sunset: 6:42 PM
Holashtak Begins on 24 February 2026, Meaning and Significance
Holashtak starts eight days before Holi and is traditionally regarded as a period of unstable planetary energy. According to Hindu belief, during these eight days, one planet each day is in an intensified or fierce state, increasing obstacles and disturbances in worldly matters.
On the first day of Holashtak (24 Feb 2026), the Moon is believed to be in its intense phase. This symbolism reflects emotional volatility and uncertainty, which is why auspicious rituals are avoided.
Commonly avoided during Holashtak:
- Marriage ceremonies
- Engagement or matchmaking
- Housewarming
- New business or investment start
- Property purchase
However, spiritual practices are encouraged:
- Fasting and prayer
- Durga or Vishnu worship
- Charity and mantra chanting
- Preparation for Holika Dahan and Holi
Durga Ashtami Vrat on 24 February 2026
The Ashtami of Shukla Paksha is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts, perform Durga puja, and seek protection from negative influences. Because Durga represents divine power over chaos and evil, this Ashtami during Holashtak holds deeper spiritual meaning.
It is believed that worshipping Durga on this day:
- Removes fear and obstacles
- Protects against negative planetary effects
- Grants courage and stability
- Brings spiritual purification
Should You Do Auspicious Work on 24 February 2026?
Astrologically, the day has good Muhurat periods. But culturally and traditionally, Holashtak overrides them for major life events.
Good for:
- Daily puja and fasting
- Meditation and spiritual practice
- Routine or ongoing work
Avoid for:
- Marriage or engagement
- Housewarming
- New ventures
- Major purchases
24 February 2026 is spiritually powerful but ceremonially restrictive. With Durga Ashtami and the beginning of Holashtak, the day favours devotion over celebration. While Muhurat windows exist, tradition advises postponing major auspicious events until Holashtak ends before Holi.
If you seek inner strength, protection, or spiritual growth, this Tuesday is considered highly meaningful for Durga worship and disciplined spiritual practice.
