Varanasi (UP), February 28 Holi was celebrated with ashes from a funeral pyre at Manikarnika Ghat here on Saturday, the second day of Rangambhari Ekadashi.
Event organizer Gulshan Kapoor said that devotees had been preparing for the celebration since morning. The auspicious sound of the shehnai resonated at the ghat, which is known for cremations.
Kapoor explained that due to the chaos caused by construction work at Manikarnika Ghat, devotees were prevented from going to the ghat by a heavy police force and barricades at Lalita and Scindia ghats. However, those who waited were able to offer ashes to Baba Mahashamshan Nath Ji (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) after 2 pm.
Kapoor also said that it is believed that on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, Baba Vishwanath brings Goddess Parvati to his abode in Kashi after her 'gauna' (farewell), which is celebrated by the people of Kashi as a festival and is considered the beginning of Holi.