Masan Holi is a ritualistic celebration of the victory of good over evil, where people gather to play with ash and seek blessings from Lord Shiva, who is believed to reside at the ghat. During the festival of Holi, which usually falls in late February or early March, Manikarnika Ghat becomes a site for a unique tradition known as “Masan Holi”. Manikarnika Ghat is a significant ghat (riverfront steps leading to the river) located on the banks of the river Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi, India. The ghat is known for its association with Hindu cremation rituals and is considered one of the holiest places in India.
In this ritual, people gather at the ghat and take ashes from the cremation grounds and rub them on their bodies. They then apply colored powders to their faces and playfully throw them at each other. The ash is believed to represent the destruction of the physical body, while the colored powders represent the various elements of nature. It is a tradition that is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is still observed by some communities in the city.
It’s worth noting that Manikarnika Ghat is an important pilgrimage site and visitors are expected to show reverence and respect for the rituals and customs observed there. It’s important to dress modestly and behave appropriately while visiting the ghat.
The celebration of Masan ki Holi takes place in the Masan locality, which is located in the northern part of Varanasi. The area is home to a community of people who work in the cremation grounds of the city, and the celebration is an important part of their cultural and social identity. The festivities of Masan ki Holi begin on the day of Holika Dahan, with the lighting of a bonfire in the cremation grounds. The next day, on the day of Holi, the people of Masan gather in the streets and alleys of their locality, armed with buckets of colored water and dry colors.
The celebration of Masan ki Holi is unique in that it involves the throwing of ashes and bone fragments from the cremation grounds. This tradition is believed to have originated as a way of honoring the departed souls and seeking their blessings for a prosperous future. As the people of Masan throw the ashes and bone fragments, they shout “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Holi Hai,” creating a chaotic and colorful atmosphere. The streets are filled with the sounds of drums, cymbals, and other musical instruments, as the people dance and sing in celebration.
Fig: Depiction of Masan Holi celebration on Ganga Ghat
Despite the somewhat macabre nature of the tradition, Masan ki Holi is a joyous and lively celebration that is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Varanasi. It is a reminder of the city’s unique character and the diverse communities that call it home.
Note: Masan Holi is not a widely known tradition and is mainly observed by the local people of Varanasi. It is not recommended for tourists or visitors to participate in this ritual as it may be considered disrespectful to the local customs and beliefs. However, visitors can observe the tradition from a distance and respect the sanctity of the place. Also, these events considered to be crowded and require special attention for old visitors.
Incase you are visiting Varanasi & willing to learn more about Kashi, please follow below links:
- 8 Best Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
- Spiritual Significance of Varanasi
- 10 Best Places to enjoy street food in Varanasi
- Budgetary Hotel near Assi Ghat Varanasi
- Booking/timing for Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
- River Cruise Booking
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