Udaipur. On the festival of colours, Holi, you might have seen many traditions and celebrations playing Holi in different styles, but you will be surprised to see the tradition related to it in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Holi of gunpowder is played in Menar village here. In this, villagers gather in the village square and fire bullets in the air from guns throughout the night. This historical Holi of gunpowder is unique in the whole world. This Holi is a symbol of the bravery and valor of the Brahmins of Menaria. Along with the gunshots, cannons are also fired.
This festival of colors is celebrated in a unique style on the second day of Holi in Menar village, located about fifty kilometers from Udaipur. According to the tradition that has been going on for the last four hundred years, even today Holi is played with gunpowder in this village. On the second day of Holi, on the occasion of Jamra Beej, the villagers gather at the village Chaupal in traditional costumes at midnight. Later, Holi is played with gunpowder.
Dozens of guns are fired
If we see this Holi of traditional gunpowder, it seems that instead of Holi, Diwali is being celebrated here. Let’s make it historic by firing all the guns in the air on this night. These aerial fires are not done from a single gun but from dozens of guns. Amidst these bursts of fire, the villagers dance, sing and celebrate with full enthusiasm.
Villagers playing Holi with gunpowder in Menar village of Udaipur.
Menaria Brahmins living abroad also come to the village on this occasion.
The special thing about this Holi is that to participate in this celebration, not only from different provinces of the country but also the residents of Menar village living in any part of the world come here and participate in the celebration. During this time, there comes a time when two groups of villagers are seen standing face to face and celebrating by firing in the air.
Protected Mewar from invaders
According to the villagers, during the Mughal period, during the time of Maharana Pratap’s father Udai Singh, Menaria Brahmins had protected the Mewar state by facing the attacks on the state with skillful strategy. In memory of the same day, celebrating this festival in a different way, all the villagers celebrate by firing guns and fireworks all night long. It is said that the Menaria Brahmins saved the Mewar state by killing the hidden invaders in Menar village overnight while preparing to attack the Mewar state.
Due to the grace of Mother Ambe, no accident has happened till date.
Along with this celebration, traditional Ger dance is also performed in Menar. In that too, this dance is performed with swords in a different style. To witness this unique Holi, people from nearby villages and far away places reach Menar and enjoy the celebrations throughout the night. Villagers say that due to the blessings of Mother Ambe and the villagers’ desire to keep the traditional culture alive, no accident has happened during the celebrations here till date.
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Tags: Holi news, Rajasthan news, Udaipur news
FIRST PUBLISHED: March 27, 2024, 11:00 IST