Holi colors are in full swing in the country. Every person eagerly waits for this festival of colors. Holi is celebrated in different ways everywhere here. At some places Lathmar Holi is played and at other places Holi of flowers is played. Khadi and Baithiki Holi of Uttarakhand is famous across the country.
Khadi and Baithi Holi of Kumaon is famous all over the country
Holi in many places of the country not only holds special significance but is also celebrated in a unique way. One such special Holi is celebrated in the Kumaon region of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Where Holi is played not only with colors but also with ragas. The rich history of Holi in Kumaon is more than 400 years old.
As soon as you hear the name of Kumaoni Holi, the sound of footsteps along with the beat of drums and the song ‘How to fill the water of Jamuna deep’ will start resonating in your ears. At the time of Holi, the beauty of the mountains is unique and the view here is such that it mesmerizes everyone.
Holi is celebrated in Kumaon for a month
Let us tell you that Holi is celebrated for a month in Kumaon. Throughout Kumaon, Holi starts after Shivratri with the tying of rags which continues till Chhaldi. The credit for increasing the popularity of Holi in the Kumaon region goes to the Chand dynasty. Following the footsteps of Chand dynasty, the mountains have still preserved their tradition of standing, sitting and women’s Holi.
Holi starts with rag bandhan
After Chir Bandhan, Holi songs are sung every day in every house of Kumaon. Which starts from the village temple.
Holi, held in Kumaon, starts from the first Sunday of the month of Paush. Baithaki Holi is considered to be the most popular form of Kumaoni Holi. In this, musical gatherings are held at night and this Holi is considered incomplete without farce.
In Kumaon, with the beginning of Ekadashi, the singing of Khadi Holi starts in the villages with the special rhythm of drums, cymbals and footsteps. The singing of Khadi Holi starts with the praise of Shiva along with the rag bandhan. People dancing with tune, lal and taal on the beats of drums are the main attraction of this Holi.
Women’s Holi is also very special
Like Baithaki Holi, Mahila Holi is also celebrated here. Where women’s meetings are held. In which songs and music are based only on women. In Kumaoni Holi, which is sung in Raga-Dadra and Raga Kaharwa, the sagas of Ramayana and Mahabharata period including Radha Krishna, King Harishchandra, Shravan Kumar are also described.
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