Holi is celebrated across India with colors, joy, and festivity, but in Varanasi, there exists a unique and eerie version of this festival—Masan Holi. Unlike the playful Holi of colors, Masan Holi is celebrated in cremation grounds (Masan) and is associated with Lord Shiva, aghoris, and the forces of life and death. This rare and mystical celebration takes place in the city of Varanasi, particularly at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism.
The Significance of Masan Holi
Masan Holi is deeply rooted in Shiva worship and Tantric traditions. It is believed that Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, plays Holi in the cremation ground with ghosts, spirits, and his followers. Unlike the colorful and cheerful Holi celebrated elsewhere, Masan Holi represents the acceptance of life and death as two sides of the same coin.
Aghori sadhus, known for their extreme spiritual practices, actively take part in this Holi, smearing ashes from the funeral pyres on their bodies instead of using colored powders. They believe that playing with these ashes helps them transcend worldly attachments and conquer the fear of death. This practice aligns with the core philosophy of aghoris—seeing beauty in death and liberation in destruction.
When and Where is Masan Holi Celebrated?
Masan Holi is celebrated during the five-day Holi festival, with the main event occurring a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi (the 11th day of the Phalguna month). This day is believed to be when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati return to Kashi after their divine wedding, and Shiva’s followers celebrate by smearing ashes instead of colors.
The primary locations where Masan Holi is observed include:
- Manikarnika Ghat – The most sacred cremation ground in Hinduism, where funeral pyres burn 24/7.
- Harishchandra Ghat – Another important cremation site where the rituals of Masan Holi take place.
These places, known for their deep spiritual significance, turn into a realm of mysticism during this time.
How is Masan Holi Celebrated?
1. Playing with Ashes
Unlike traditional Holi, where people smear each other with vibrant gulal, Masan Holi participants apply ash from funeral pyres to their bodies. This act symbolizes detachment from material life and acceptance of mortality.
2. Aghoris and Tantric Rituals
Aghori sadhus, known for their intense spiritual practices, perform rituals invoking Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. They meditate among funeral pyres, chant mantras, and engage in Tantric practices that are believed to bring them closer to moksha (liberation).
3. Shiva Devotees Join the Celebration
Apart from aghoris, thousands of Shiva devotees (bhakts) participate in Masan Holi. They sing bhajans, dance in trance-like states, and engage in spiritual discourses about life and death. Some even walk barefoot on the burning embers of funeral pyres, showcasing their faith in Shiva’s power.
4. The Procession of Lord Shiva
Before the ashes are smeared, a grand procession of Lord Shiva’s idol is carried through the streets of Varanasi. Devotees chant “Har Har Mahadev” as they follow the deity to the cremation grounds, symbolizing their devotion and surrender to Shiva’s divine will.
The Spiritual Meaning of Masan Holi
Masan Holi is not a festival for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek to understand the deeper truths of life. It teaches that:
- Death is not the end – It is merely a transition to another form of existence.
- Material attachments are temporary – Wealth, beauty, and social status vanish with time, so one must focus on spiritual growth.
- Shiva is the ultimate truth – By embracing destruction, one can experience the power of creation.
For aghoris and spiritual seekers, Masan Holi is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the need to rise above fear, illusions, and worldly distractions.
Should You Witness Masan Holi?
If you are a spiritual traveler, an explorer of unique cultural traditions, or someone seeking to understand the mysteries of life and death, experiencing Masan Holi in Varanasi can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, this is not a festival meant for mere entertainment. It requires an open mind, deep respect for spiritual traditions, and the ability to witness the raw reality of life and death.
Masan Holi is a celebration like no other—a mystical, haunting, and deeply philosophical festival that reminds us of the inevitable cycle of existence.
Would you dare to celebrate Holi with Shiva in the cremation grounds?
