Astrological Remedies for Protection: Holika Dahan falls on the eighth day of Holashtak. Dhulendi is celebrated on the second day, and Rangpanchami is celebrated on the fifth day after Holika Dahan. It's important to take certain precautions before crossing intersections during this time. Crossing or crossing intersections incorrectly during this time is considered troublesome and can cause health problems or misfortune.

Why is crossing intersections prohibited?
1. Devotee Prahlad and the Eight Days of Suffering: According to mythology, Hiranyakashipu subjected his son Prahlad to severe torture during these eight days. These days are considered symbolic of grief and suffering. Therefore, in Hinduism, any auspicious event (wedding, tonsure, housewarming) is prohibited during these days. When memories of suffering and sorrow prevail in the environment, visiting unsafe places (such as deserted intersections or crossroads) can be mentally taxing.

2. Significance of Crossroads: The intersection where wood is collected for Holika Dahan is considered to be a gathering place for negative energies, so one should avoid crossing or passing through it. During Holashtak (the eight days before Holi), auspicious activities are prohibited due to negative energy and planetary imbalance. During Holashtak, the planetary positions are inauspicious, and the energy is unbalanced, leading to increased negativity.

3. Black Magic: According to Tantra Shastra and folk beliefs, a crossroads is a place where the energies of the four directions collide. During Holashtak, when negative energies are considered more prevalent in the environment, people perform 'totka' or leave worship materials (such as utara, lemon, vermillion, or sacrificial food) at crossroads to ward off obstacles, evil eye, or illness. Therefore, crossing them is considered prohibited. If you inadvertently step on these items, step on them, or crush them with your vehicle, it is believed that the negative energy may become attached to you. Therefore, whenever you pass by, be careful not to step on the lemon or let it run over you. Otherwise, you too may be affected by problems.

4. Fierce Nature of the Planets: During these eight days of Holashtak, the eight planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Rahu) are in a very fiery state. According to astrology, this ferocity weakens a person's decision-making ability and increases mental unrest. These negative rays of the planets are more active at intersections, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these places.

5. Psychological and Safety Aspects: In ancient times, when street lighting was low, there was a fear of wild animals or antisocial elements at intersections. Additionally, people gathered wood and grass in preparation for Holi, which posed a risk of dirt or injury. The prohibition against crossing actually served as a protective shield.

How to keep yourself safe during Holashtak?
Time: Avoid stopping or chatting at intersections around sunset and late at night.

Watch out: If you see any special items on the ground (such as flowers, lemons, brown pumpkins, food on a plate, coal, or white cloth), keep your distance.

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