Holi is a festival of colors, but in Kashi, Holi is played with the ashes of pyre. It is called Masaan Holi. This year Masaan Holi is on 28 February 2026. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati play Holi with colors on Rangbhari Ekadashi in Varanasi. The next day on Phalgun Shukla Dwadashi, Lord Mahashamshannath or Bholenath plays Holi with ashes along with his devotees, including ghosts, ghosts, demons, yakshas, gandharvas and demons. It is also mentioned in Shiv Purana and Durga Saptashati. Know the importance of Masan Holi.
Masan Holi is the festival of ashes
Masaan Holi is a unique and spiritual Holi celebrated in Varanasi (Kashi). It is also called the festival of ashes. ‘Masaan’ means crematorium (where dead bodies are cremated), and ‘Masaan Holi’ means Holi in the crematorium. Neither any colour, nor any water gun, nor any cowherd, nor any cowherd. Devotees of Lord Shiva take the form of ghosts and play Holi with the ashes of the pyre. This festival symbolizes freedom from the trap of worldly desires, because ultimately man will turn into ashes. This festival symbolizes the victory over death and the immortality of the soul beyond the cycle of life and death.
Who can play Masan Holi?
This Holi is known as Masaan Holi, Bhasma Holi and Bhabhut Holi. Holi of the cremation ground of Kashi (Varanasi) is famous all over the world, which attracts people from abroad. Sadhus, saints, common people and Aghoris play Masan Holi, although women are prohibited from participating in this Holi.
How did Masan Holi start?
According to mythology, Lord Shiva started the Holi of Masaan. In fact, on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, Baba Vishwanath came to Kashi for the first time after his marriage with Goddess Parvati. On that day Mata was welcomed with the color of Gulal (red powder). Lord Shiva played Holi with Gulal (red powder) with his devotees, but not with ghosts, Yakshas, Gandharvas and spirits. Therefore, Holi is celebrated in the crematorium on the second day of Rangbhari Ekadashi.
