March 12, 2025: In the sacred city of Varanasi, the festive occasion of Holi is observed in a distinctive manner, unlike the rest of India. Here, the celebrations aren’t marked by vibrant colours and gulal, but rather with the ashes of pyres. This unique tradition is called as Masan Holi.

Masan holi holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Baranas. This celebration showcases their deep rooted spiritual nature and serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of life. The utilization of pyre ashes showcases the cyclical nature of human existence, where life and death are intertwined.

The ashes used in Masan holi are believed to possess purifying properties, cleansing the body, mind and spirit of impurities. By smearing these ashes on one another, devotees seek spiritual rejuvenation and inner purification.

This year, celebration of Masan holi has started on March 11 at Manikarnika ghat. This unique tradition of Varanasi is observed on the second day of Rangbhari Ekadashi.