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While the whole country prepares for Holi of colors in the month of Phalgun, a tradition is performed in Kashi which encompasses the philosophy of faith, renunciation and life-death. Holi of Masan played at Manikarnika Ghat situated in the city of Baba Vishwanath is considered to be a centuries old tradition. This event is organized on a special date before or around Holika Dahan, in which sages, saints, Aghori and local people participate. Let us know what is the controversy regarding Holi of Masaan.
Masaan Holi, played at Manikarnika Ghat in Lord Shiva’s city of Kashi, is embroiled in controversies. Masan Holi is played every year on the Dwadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month at Manikarnika Ghat. If reports are to be believed, Vishwanath Chaudhary, a descendant of the Dom Raja family, has submitted a memorandum to the district administration regarding Holi of Masan. In this memorandum, there has been a demand to ban the celebration of Masan Holi. Chaudhary says that the tradition of playing Holi with the ashes of the pyre at Manikarnika Ghat is not according to scriptures. Let us tell you that Rangbhari Ekadashi is on 27th February and ‘Masaan Ki Holi’ will be played at Manikarnika Ghat on 28th February. Let us know how this tradition started…
What did the descendant of the Dom Raja family say? – Vishwanath Chaudhary has submitted a memorandum saying that there is no clear scriptural basis for the Masan Holi played at Manikarnika Ghat. Earlier this event was limited to Masannath temple but now its scope has increased. The dignity of the crematorium is being affected by this event. People create hindrances in this event by consuming alcohol, making noise and cremating dead bodies. They have also warned that if this event is not stopped then they will be forced to stop the cremation in the crematorium. Let us tell you that the tradition of cremation at Manikarnika Ghat has been in the hands of Dom community for centuries.
How did this tradition start? – On the basis of beliefs, when Lord Shiva brought Mother Parvati to Kashi after her marriage, his followers and the townspeople expressed their desire for a celebration. Lord Shiva accepted their wish, then the townspeople celebrated this festival with colors. Gods and Goddesses also participated in this festival. But other ghosts of Shiva, Yaksha, Gandharva etc. stayed away from this festival. Lord Shiva did not like this because Lord Shiva is everyone’s God. After this, on the Dwadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month, Lord Shiva played Holi of ashes with the Ganas in Kashi. It is said that since then the tradition of playing Holi with the ashes of pyre started in Kashi, which is still played in a unique style.
Manikarnika Ghat of Kashi – Manikarnika Ghat of Kashi is one of the most famous ghats, cremations take place here 24 hours a day. It is believed that by performing the last rites here the soul attains salvation. There is a belief that Lord Shiva himself resides on this land and provides Tarak Mantra to the dead souls. The tradition of Holi of Masaan is associated with this belief. It is believed that by performing the last rites at Manikarnika Ghat, the soul is freed from the cycle of life and death and attains salvation. According to mythological beliefs, the earring of Mother Parvati had fallen here, hence this ghat is called Manikarnika Ghat.
What do the organizers say? On the other hand, the organizers say that the entire Kashi is a crematorium in itself, where even death is seen from the point of view of celebration and salvation. On this occasion, Lord Shiva in the form of Bhasmangragaya Maheshwar along with the Ganas creates a smoke from the ashes of the funeral pyre. In the afternoon, Holi is played with the ashes of pyres among the musicians on the ghat. Sadhus, saints, Nagas, Tantrik and people belonging to Aghori tradition participate in the Holi of Masan. Holi of Masan gives the message that life and death are two sides of the same cycle. Here ashes of pyre are used instead of colours, which shows that ultimately everything merges into the five elements. The tradition of Masan Holi has been going on for years, stopping it suddenly would be a blow to the cultural heritage. In view of the dispute, the district administration has become alert and is trying to strike a balance between the two parties.