Kumaoni  Holi

Kumauni Holi, is the historical and cultural celebration of Holi in the region of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important festivals for the Kumauni people as it signifies not only the victory of good over evil but also the end of the winter season and the start of the new sowing season which holds great importance for this agricultural community of the North Indian Himalayas. 

 

Kumoani Holyars playing Dhol and Jhali
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun, and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation.

Types of Holi celebrated in Kumaon

1. Baithak Holi

Baithk Holi (Sitting Holi) is a form of musical gathering starting from the day of Basant Panchmi held all across Kumaon till the Dulhendi (or the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna). The Baithaki Holi songs are based on Classical Music with the heavy influence of Kumaoni folk music traditions.

A still from Baithak Kumaoni Holi
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

The Baithk Holi begins from the premises of temples, where Holiyars (the singers of Holi songs) and other people gather to sing songs with musical instruments like harmonium and tabla. The Baithaks or sittings are held in the local community centers and even at local homes.

2. Khadi Holi

Khadi Holi (Standing Holi) starts a little later than Baithaki Holi. The songs of the Khari Holi are sung by the people, sporting traditional white nokdaar topi, churidar payjama, and white kurta, dance in groups to the tune of ethnic musical instruments like the Dhol, Hurka, and Jhali. 

Khadi Holi 

Men in groups singing Khadi Holi songs which are much more Kumaoni in flavor than the classical renditions of the Baithaki Holi visit different homes and greet the members of that house and chant hymns praying for the prosperity of the householder. These groups of men are called Holyars. Khadi Holi is filled with excitement and frolic as opposed to the more somber nature of the Baithak Holi. 

3. Mahila Holi

They are gatherings similar to Baithak Holi but composed exclusively of women.

Ladies of Kumaon playing Baithak Mahila Holi
Source: Google

On the last day of Holi (Holika Dahan) which is known as chharadi in kumaon, the holyars recite blessing hymes such as “Falgun fagwa de ho aashish , sab jan jee run lakh bari” 

which means may this “Falgun” month (March) bless all the beings and give everyone a long, happy and prosperous life.