An amazing sight was seen at the Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi on Thursday, where devotees played “Chita Bhasma” Holi with great enthusiasm amidst burning pyres.
People gathered at the Manikarnika Ghat crematorium to play Masan Holi. It is believed that Lord Bholenath plays Holi with pyre ashes along with his devotees in the Manikarnika crematorium.
Holi is played with colours and gulal across the country but in Shiva’s city Kashi, Holi is also played with the ashes of the pyre. In the entire world, this unique Holi is celebrated only in Kashi. Lord Shankar is believed to play the Holi of Bhasma with his beloved ones, ghosts, and vampires.
Before commencing the Chita Bhasma Holi, Baba Masan Nath is worshipped with elaborate rituals. After performing Baba’s Aarti, devotees play Holi with the ashes of the pyre. The entire cremation ground echoes with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and damru. Along with the residents of Kashi, foreign tourists also take part in this festival.
According to mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva initiated the tradition of Masaan Holi. It is believed that on the day of the Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shankar brought Mother Parvati to Kashi after performing ‘gauna’. Subsequently, he played Holi with colours and gulal along with his companions. However, it is believd that he could not play Holi with the ghosts, vampires, Yaksha Gandharvas, and eunuchs living in the crematorium. Therefore, a day after the Rangbhari Ekadashi, Bholenath played Holi with the ghosts inhabiting the crematorium. Since then, Masan Holi is celebrated in Kashi. This tradition of playing Holi with the ashes of the pyre has gained popularity both within the country and in foreign countries.