Varanasi. Holi, a jubilant and chromatic festival, is embraced with much zeal and ardor throughout India. Nevertheless, within the bounds of the city of Varanasi, an exceptional custom of observing…

Varanasi. Holi, a jubilant and chromatic festival, is embraced with much zeal and ardor throughout India. Nevertheless, within the bounds of the city of Varanasi, an exceptional custom of observing Holi exists - one that entails the usage of ashes from the pyre. This antiquated practice, known as Masan Holi, has been an integral part of Varanasi's cultural heritage and is commemorated with utmost fervency at the Manikarnika Ghat.

Varanasi is one of the oldest and most revered cities in India. It is known as the spiritual capital of the country, and people from all over the world come here to seek enlightenment and to immerse themselves in the spiritual aura of the city. The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest places in the city, where thousands of people come every day to perform the last rites of their loved ones. The Ghat is also known as the Mahashamshaan, which means the great cremation ground. It is believed that those who are cremated here are liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Masan Holi celebration takes place on the second day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, which usually falls in the month of March. The day is considered to be auspicious as it marks the beginning of the spring season, and it is believed that Lord Shiva along with his ganas (attendants) comes to the Manikarnika Ghat on this day to give darshan to his devotees. It is also believed that Lord Shiva loves ashes, and he adorns himself with ashes only. Therefore, people offer ashes to Lord Shiva as a sign of devotion and play Holi with each other using the ashes from the pyre.

Tradition of Masan Holi is deeply rooted in the religious beliefs of the people of Varanasi. According to legend, on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shiva brought his wife Parvati to her abode after their marriage. Bhole Baba played Holi with all the deities, but his ganas, ghosts, vampires, nocturnal creatures, and invisible forces could not join the festivities. In such a situation, Lord Shiva himself came to the Masan Ghat to play Holi with his devotees using the ashes from the pyre.

The Masan Holi celebration is not just limited to locals, but devotees from all over the country and even from abroad come to witness this unique and spiritual celebration. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of drums, the chanting of hymns, and the fragrance of flowers. People play Holi with each other, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion, and the atmosphere is full of love, happiness, and joy.

Baba Masan Nath temple located at the Manikarnika Ghat is the epicenter of the Masan Holi celebrations. Devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva, and the priests perform the rituals with great devotion and reverence. The temple is decorated with flowers, and the sound of the damru (a small drum-like instrument) fills the air. After the prayers are over, the devotees smear each other with the ashes from the pyre, which is believed to be a sign of purification and liberation.

Masan Holi celebration is not just a festival; it is a way of honoring the dead and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. The unique tradition of playing Holi with ashes is a testament to the deep-rooted culture and spirituality of the city of Varanasi. The celebration of Masan Holi is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cycle of birth and death. It is a way of reminding ourselves that we are all mortal and that we should strive to live our lives in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling. Masan Holi is not just about playing with ashes; it is a spiritual experience that connects the living with the dead and the divine. It is a way of paying tribute to the departed souls and seeking their blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

Celebration of Masan Holi at Manikarnika Ghat is not limited to locals, but it attracts devotees from across the country and even from abroad. People come to witness this unique and spiritual celebration and participate in the rituals and customs associated with it. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of drums, the chanting of hymns, and the fragrance of flowers. People play Holi with each other, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion, and the atmosphere is full of love, happiness, and joy.

Masan Holi celebration is a combination of tradition, spirituality and culture. It reflects the rich heritage of the city of Varanasi and the deep-rooted beliefs of its people. The celebration is not just a one-day event but involves a series of rituals and customs that are performed with utmost devotion and sincerity. It is a way of connecting with the divine and seeking blessings for a better life.

Gulshan Kapoor, the organizer of Masan Holi, says, "tradition of Masan Holi at Manikarnika Ghat is not a recent phenomenon but has been passed down through generations of locals and has been a part of the city's culture for centuries. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest places in India, where the dead are cremated, and their ashes are immersed in the Ganges River. It is believed that the ashes of the dead have the power to purify the soul and free it from the cycle of birth and death."

Masan Holi celebration at Manikarnika Ghat is a unique way of connecting with the dead and seeking their blessings. It is believed that playing Holi with ashes of the pyre brings good luck and prosperity to the living. The ashes are considered to be sacred and are used in various rituals and ceremonies throughout the year. The tradition of Masan Holi is a way of honoring the departed souls and seeking their blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

Masan Holi is a unique and spiritual celebration that reflects the deep-rooted culture and spirituality of the city of Varanasi. It is a way of connecting with the divine and seeking blessings for a better life. The celebration is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cycle of birth and death. It is a way of paying tribute to the departed souls and seeking their blessings for a happy and prosperous life. Masan Holi is not just about playing with ashes; it is a spiritual experience that connects the living with the dead and the divine.

Updated On 28 March 2023 11:53 AM GMT
Anurag Tiwari

Anurag Tiwari

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