Masan Holi
Masan Holi is a unique and lesser-known festival that is celebrated in Varanasi, a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The festival is also known as "Holi of Corpses" or "Holi with Ashes" and is observed a day after the main Holi festival. During Masan Holi, people gather at the Manikarnika Ghat, which is the main cremation ground in Varanasi, and collect the ashes of the cremated bodies. These ashes are then used as a form of colored powder to play Holi. The ashes are mixed with other colors to create a unique and eerie grayish-black color that is used to smear each other's faces and clothes. The celebration is usually a somber affair, with participants showing respect for the dead while also having fun. The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology and is believed to have been started by Lord Krishna, who smeared ashes on his face to mourn the death of a friend. Masan Holi is a local festival, and its celebration is limited to certain areas of Varanasi. Although the festival may seem strange to outsiders, it is a significant cultural event in Varanasi and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals. It is an opportunity for people to come together, pay their respects to the dead, and celebrate the victory of good over evil. During Masan Holi, people gather at the Manikarnika Ghat, which is the main cremation ground in Varanasi, and collect ashes of the cremated bodies. These ashes are then used as a form of colored powder to play Holi. The ashes are mixed with other colors to create a unique and eerie grayish-black color that is used to smear on each other's faces and clothes. The celebration is usually a somber affair, with participants showing respect for the dead while also having fun. The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology and is believed to have been started by Lord Krishna, who smeared ashes on his face to mourn the death of a friend. Masan Holi is a local festival, and its celebration is limited to certain areas of Varanasi. Although the festival may seem strange to outsiders, it is a significant cultural event in Varanasi and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals. It is an opportunity for people to come together, pay their respects to the dead, and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
