Holi 2024: Varanasi Skies Turn Grey As Shiva Devotees Play Masan Holi At Manikarnika Ghat — WATCH

Holi 2024: In the city of Baba Bholenath, Varanasi, after the Rangbhari Ekadashi, people play the holi of the crematorium, which is known as “Masan Holi,” where millions of people gather at the Mahashmashan Manikarnika Ghat and play holi with ashes. On Thursday, the ghat witnessed the festivity with great enthusiasm as people eagerly participated in the holi celebrations.

Take A Look At The Video Here: 

#WATCH | Masan Holi being celebrated at Manikarnika Ghat, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.#Holi pic.twitter.com/5OQa5nPmzQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024

All About ‘Masan Holi’: 

According to mythology, Lord Shiva initiated the “Masan Holi” festival. It is believed that on Rangbhari Ekadashi, after Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati married, they made their first visit to Kashi. Mata Parvati was greeted with gulal colours at the venue.

Bhasm Holi, also known as Masan Holi, is celebrated the day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. According to mythology, Lord Shiva began this tradition by playing Holi with ghosts, spirits, yakshas, Gandharvas, and prets using cremation ashes.

On Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shiva played Holi with companions using gulal, but he did not include ghosts and spirits, which is why the tradition of playing Holi at the Crematorium continues the next day. This tradition has persisted in Kashi since then.

Rangbhari Ekadashi kicks off the Holi festivities in Kashi. It begins during the first fortnight of the Phalguna month and lasts six days. People travel from all over the country and around the world to witness and participate in this unique Holi celebration, immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva.

Masan Holi is an important tradition of varanasi where people play Holi with ashes at Manikarnika Ghat on Rangbhari Ekadashi. According to mythology, The tradition is attributed to Lord Shiva that has lasted for generations. 

The continuation of these traditions not only honours the divine but also creates a sense of unity and devotion among the people, making each year’s observance a valued and unforgettable experience.