Bhasm Or Mashan Holi At Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

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Holi is celebrated in the most unique and unheard-of way, in Kashi in which Holi is observed by devotees with pyres burning around the area. Dance and songs follow in an atmosphere of gaiety and gloom that coexist at the same time. Bholenath resides here and revels in the Holi celebrations accompanied by his Bhoot Gan.

Manikarnika ghat is the venue for Baba Bholenath to play Masan Holi which is otherwise known as Bhasm Holi, and Bhabhoot Holi in which the Bhoot Ganas of Bholenath accompany their Lord gleefully in the dance. Bhasm Holi tradition is a contribution of Varanasi to the series of important festivals of India.

Bhasma Holi or Bhabhut Holi or Masan Holi celebrations begin in Varanasi the next day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. On the Rangbhari Ekadashi, Baba Bholenath will be engaged in Holi celebrations along with Gods and devotees of the city and uses Abir Gulal to play along. Baba observes Holi with his Bhoot Ganas on the Manikarnika Ghat.

Why is Bhasma Holi celebrated?

Bhasma Holi is celebrated in the midst of burning pyres at the Manikarnika. All the deities and demigods participating in the divine Holi with Baba Bholenath are prevented from mingling with human beings by the Bhoot Ganas on the Ghat. Since Bholenath arrives on the Ghat in the afternoon to have a bath and also to play Holi with his Ganas, people gather there and play Holi with the ashes of the burning pyre in Kashi. During the midday event of puja, of Baba Mahashamshan Nath and Mata Mashan Kali, firstly the Aarti is performed after which ashes and Gulal are offered as Prasad to Goddess and Baba. Bhasm Holi starts soon after this.

How Is It Celebrated In Varanasi

Residents of Kashi throng to the Ghat crematorium on the Holi day to continue the ancient tradition of burning the ashes. Thousands of Shiva devotees gather near the great bonfire in the morning as the thundering sound of drums rent the air. The devotees of Bholenath, also brings logs representing the body of Shiva-Parvati, and play Holi with its ashes.

At the time when the piles of dead bodies which the relatives are readying for cremation are placed on the logs, certain devotees start dancing and singing as if in trance. This situation can only happen in Kashi. Holi fun and cremating preparations at a time, can only happen here. People of Kashi dance to the tune of the loud drums along with Kinnars, and devatas who are also believed to be assembled there. The spiritual Holi awakens the soul of every devotee as the drums and songs at the highest decibel throw the participants into a trance like state.

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