Himachal Pradesh News
Holi Begins in Kullu with Vibrant Processions, Devotion and Centuries-Old Traditions
Holi in Kullu is often compared to the celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura, where devotion and festivity beautifully merge. Similar rituals and customs are followed here, giving the town’s celebrations a deeply spiritual character.
Holi in Kullu is often compared to the celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura, where devotion and festivity beautifully merge. Similar rituals and customs are followed here, giving the town’s celebrations a deeply spiritual character.
The festive rhythm in Kullu begins after Basant Panchami, followed by a sacred period called “holashtak,” during which the Mahant community leads devotional singing for 40 days. This extended observance transforms Holi from a single-day celebration into a long spiritual journey filled with music, prayer and anticipation.
The Mahants and a 17th-Century Legacy
A distinctive feature of Kullu’s Holi is the role of the Mahants — a community that arrived in the mid-17th century with idols of Lord Rama and Mata Sita from Ayodhya. Since then, they have remained central to the festival’s rituals.
For 40 days leading up to Holi, they sing traditional Holi songs and guide the community in devotional practices. Their presence adds depth to the otherwise playful celebration, blending spiritual discipline with joyful expression.
Badi Holi and the Dramatic “Phaag” Ritual
The second day, known as “Badi Holi,” is marked by even greater energy. While the daytime continues with colour play and processions, the evening brings the dramatic ritual of “Phaag” or Holika Dahan at the erstwhile ruler’s palace in Raghunathpur.
During this ritual, the chief deity is carried on a vibrant palanquin. Two massive pyres — built from wood and grass with a tall mast and flag at the centre — are set ablaze. The flames symbolize the triumph of good over evil, a message at the heart of Holi.
In a breathtaking display of courage, Mahants leap across the burning pyre to claim the flag. It is believed that the family securing the flag receives blessings and prosperity for the year ahead. The moment blends faith, bravery and tradition into a spectacle that leaves onlookers awestruck.
This year, due to the lunar eclipse on March 3, Holi processions will not visit the Raghunath Temple between 3 pm and 7 pm — a reminder that celestial events still shape ritual timings in this ancient celebration.
Kullu’s Holi is not just about colours. It is about continuity — a bridge between generations. It is where devotion meets celebration, where history walks alongside the present, and where the spirit of community shines as brightly as the gulal in the air.
