Amidst the snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, one finds a celebration unlike any other, the Kumaoni Holi. With roots deeply embedded in folklore, tradition, and spirituality, Kumaoni Holi is a celebration like no other.
The Vibrant Festivity Of Kumaoni Holi
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Glimpse of Kumaoni Khadi Holi for you all#uttarakhandtourism #simplyamazing #simplyheaven #dekhoapnadesh #festivalofcolours #holi #holi2021 #holiinhills #holiinuttarakhand #pahadiculture #culturetrip #culture #tradition #colours pic.twitter.com/QVdojtziDm— Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) March 29, 2021
Kumaoni Holi holds a unique position and cultural importance. The Kumaon area of Uttarakhand celebrates Holi with distinctive customs, folklore, and a sense of togetherness. Unlike the exuberant and frenetic celebrations seen in other parts of India, Kumaoni Holi is characterised by its serene and intimate nature.
The festival’s beginnings can be traced to the 15th century when Kumaoni musical traditions merged with those from the Chand monarchs’ court in Champawat. As the Chand dynasty spread, so did the festival’s customs throughout the Kumaon region. The origins of Kumaoni Holi also suggest that Hindu mythology and regional folklore are mixed. The festival honours the triumph of good over evil, as represented by Prahlad’s victory against Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, and the annihilation of Holika, his evil sister, according to tradition. The celebration changed over the ages as Hindu traditions and the practices of native tribes merged to form part of the Kumaon region’s cultural tapestry.
How Is It Celebrated?
In #kumaon (#Uttarakhand), the Holi festival is celebrated by using "KESUDA" flowers instead of traditional colours.
Another unique feature of Kumaoni #Holi is the “Baithaki Holi” tradition, in which people gather in groups to sing and dance traditional Kumaoni songs. pic.twitter.com/jpWcoQsxXs— Srikanth Matrubai (@SrikantMatrubai) March 11, 2023
Kumaoni Holi is a multi-day festival celebrated with unmatched fervour and good cheer. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of the celebrations, during which bonfires are lighted to represent the triumph of justice. People chant, sing, and dance around the fire during this ceremony. The colourful Baithaki Holi parade is the main attraction of Kumaoni Holi. Singing traditional folk songs with the accompaniment of musical instruments like the hurka and dhol. Wearing vibrant clothing, the participants dance to the upbeat beats, putting on a happy and uplifting show. An additional element of ecstasy to the celebrations is added by the aroma of bhaang, filling the air.
Cheer Bandhan, which entails defending the Cheer, the focal point of all ceremonial celebrations, is one of the Kumaoni Holi celebrations. The night before Holi, on Cheer Dahan, a bonfire is lit to represent the triumph of the righteous Prahlad over his evil father. The majority of Kumaoni Holi celebrations take place in the rural areas. People sing Khari Holi songs and dance in groups while donning traditional white nokdaar (pointed) topis and kurtas.
Delicious Gujjias with moist khoya and dried fruits, creamy raita, crispy singhal, and yellow aaloo gutuk are all part of the feast. A celebration like this wouldn’t be complete without indulging in these festival-specific gastronomic treats.
In recent years, it has become popular among visitors and cultural aficionados. Have you celebrated Kumaoni Holi?
Cover image credits: X/Minakshi Khati