Meerut: Two days after nominations for the first phase of 2019 Lok Sabha polls began, not a single candidate from any of the main political parties has filed his papers here. The main reason being attributed to this is Holashtak, a religious term for a set of eight days preceding Holi, which are considered highly inauspicious. This year, Holashtak began from March 14 and will end on March 21 when Holika fire is lit.It is believed that during the period of Holashtak, Hindu planets like Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Venus undergo transformations and no auspicious ceremonies can be held during this time.When contacted, BJP’s former state president Laxmikant Bajpai said, “At least a Hindu contestant will not file his nomination before the culmination of Holashtak that ends on the day of Holi because any work done during this period becomes counterproductive.”Somesh Kumar, additional district election officer in Meerut, said, “Generally, nomination forms start coming in from the second day, but no form was filed here on Tuesday. Some of them are delaying it due to religious reasons.”According to Lucknow-based astrologer Ashwini Tripathi, “During the Holashtak period, cosmic changes take place that minimise the intensity of the rays of the Sun, which is the main provider of energy to all life on the Earth. And because of this, the period is considered inauspicious and no important work should be conducted in this time.”Indira Bhati, the Congress candidate from Bijnor, has also cited the same reason for delay in filing her nomination. “I will file my papers after Holi when the time is auspicious.”Bansi Pahadia, Congress candidate from Bulandshahr, said, “Anyone filing his nomination papers before Holi would be an atheist because Holashtak does have a negative influence on everything you do. Even I will file my papers after Holi.”Mythologically, it is believed that Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva on the first day of Holashtak when Kamadeva tried to disturb his penance. The next eight days as Shiva performed his penance all planets underwent transformation. While no auspicious work is done during this period, making offerings to the needy during Holashtak is considered very rewarding. The tradition is mainly observed in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Stay updated with all the Meerut Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.