Dates for Kumaoni Holi 2025
- Start Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
- End Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
What is Kumaoni Holi?
Kumaoni Holi is not just a festival of colors; it is a multi-day celebration that highlights the region's rich cultural heritage through music, traditional rituals, and community gatherings. Unlike the conventional Holi celebrations involving water and gulal (colored powders), Kumaoni Holi has three distinct forms, each with its own significance:- Baithki Holi (Musical Holi): A sit-down musical gathering where participants sing classical ragas and Holi-themed songs.
- Khari Holi (Standing Holi): A lively event where participants gather in groups, singing and dancing to folk tunes.
- Mahila Holi (Women's Holi): A women-centric celebration where local women sing and perform traditional dances.
Key Highlights of Kumaoni Holi 2025
Kumaoni Baithak Holi (Musical Gatherings)
Baithki Holi is an intimate and soulful celebration where people gather indoors to sing classical ragas and Holi songs. The event often takes place in temples, homes, or community centers. The lyrics of the songs often narrate mythological tales or express the joy of the festival. This type of Kumaoni Holi literally means Holi celebrated by singing while sitting with a close group of friends and family and it begins on the day of Basant Panchami and continues until the last full moon day of the Phalguna month. This musical euphoria is also termed as 'Nirvan ki Holi' or 'Holi of Salvation'.Timing: Usually held in the evenings.
Music: Inspired by classical Indian ragas like Yaman, Kafi, and Bhairavi.
The Baithki Holi songs are a unique blend of Hindustani Classical Music and Kumaoni Folk songs. These songs are usually accompanied by instruments like Harmonium and Tabla. These folk songs are sung at community centres and also at the local homes, and are spiritual while narrating the tales from the life of Lord Krishna.
One of the most peculiar yet inspiring things about these baithaks is that it is not just limited to the people belonging to Hindu religion, but these musical gatherings are equally enjoyed by the local Muslims and Christians. Being very particular about the timings, Kumaoni people adhere strictly to the timings of their folk songs that are based on various classical ragas. For instance, songs based on ragas like Bhimpalasi, Pilu and Sarang are sung at noon while evenings witness the recitals of ragas like Yaman, Shyamkalyan and Kalyan.
Kumaoni Khari Holi (Standing Holi)
The name of this form of Holi literally means 'Standing Holi', and it usually begins along (or sometimes later) than the Baithki Holi. This festival is filled with a lot of excitement and fun, unlike the sedentary and sturdy form of Baithki Holi. Kumaoni people (especially from the rural parts of Kumaon) sing folk songs adorned in the traditional attires, which consist of white nokdaar topi, churidar pyjama along with kurta.The air is filled with vibrant music, and one can witness the Kumaoni people visiting houses of their loved ones and singing their folk songs, dancing in groups on their music which incorporates ethnic instruments like the Dhol and the Hurka. It is primarily celebrated by men, and the groups of men (known as 'tolis') keep the atmosphere enthusiastic and lively. Commonly sung songs are- 'jhankaro-jhankaro jhankaro' and 'jogi aayo sheher mein vyaapari'.
Kumaoni Mahila Holi (Women’s Holi)
Mahila Holi is dedicated to women, allowing them to come together and celebrate through music, dance, and rituals. Women sing songs that reflect themes of love, devotion, and the arrival of spring. This form of Kumaoni Holi is quite similar to the Baithki form, except the fact that here the gatherings are entirely composed of the Kumaoni women. Songs based on love and spiritual unions are sung by the native women of the region. The example of a commonly sung song during Mahila Holi is- 'Balma ghar aayo phagun mein'.Holika Dahan
On the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan (bonfire) is performed to symbolize the victory of good over evil. People gather around the bonfire, offering prayers and singing devotional songs. It marks the culmination of the winter season and the arrival of spring.How is Kumaoni Holi Different from Other Holi Celebrations?
- Musical Focus: Unlike the water-based revelry seen in other parts of India, Kumaoni Holi emphasizes music and singing.
- Cultural Depth: The festival showcases the region’s classical and folk music traditions, making it a cultural extravaganza.
- Gender-Specific Celebrations: Mahila Holi provides a unique platform for women to lead the celebrations.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: The use of natural colors sets it apart from conventional celebrations that often involve synthetic materials.
Cuisine
Apart from these musical celebrations, Kumaoni Holi also witnesses a splendid feast consisting of savoury Gujjias loaded with moist khoya and dried fruits, delicious and creamy raita, crispy singal and crispy yellow aaloo gutuk. These lip smacking local delicacies are sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting for more.
Best Places to Experience Kumaoni Holi
- Almora: Known as the cultural heart of Kumaon, Almora offers a rich and authentic experience of all three forms of Holi.
- Nainital: This picturesque hill station celebrates Kumaoni Holi with vibrant musical gatherings and community events.
- Ranikhet: Ranikhet’s peaceful surroundings make it an ideal location to witness the soulful Baithki Holi.
- Bageshwar: A spiritual hub, Bageshwar combines traditional Holi rituals with devotional activities.
- Pithoragarh: Offers a blend of music, dance, and cultural performances during Khari and Mahila Holi.
Kumaoni Holi Rituals
Some integral rituals are linked to this ancient practice of celebrating Kumaoni Holi. The major among them are-Cheer Bandhan and Cheer Dahan
One can witness the making of the divine Holika bonfire known as Cheer in Kumaon, fifteen days before Dhulandi. This Cheer is the centre of all the ceremonial festivities and hence is guarded well by the people. This practice is known as Cheer Bandhan while Cheer Dahan refers to the burning of the bonfire on the night before Holi. This practice symbolises the triumph of pious Prahlad over her evil father.
Chharadi
Chharadi refers to the playing of Holi using colours made from flower extracts. It is celebrated with great fervour in all parts of India. The major ingredients are the Abeer and Gulaal. One can see kids squirting colourful waters from their Pichkaris and drenching everyone around in the coloured water. A fun element used in this celebration is a small globe of Lakh that contains red powder and instantly breaks when thrown at someone. It is a traditional item but rarely seen nowadays.
Shubh Kamna
Kumaoni people together play this joyous festival and also pray for prosperity while throwing Gulaal in the air. They can be seen chanting some mantras like- 'ho ho ho lakh re'; wishing for the well-being of their elders and loved ones. This practice is referred to as 'Shubh Kamna'.
