Varanasi (UP), February 23 The Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a council of Sanskrit scholars and experts on Hindu scriptures, has opposed the tradition of playing 'Masane Ki Holi' on the city's cremation grounds – the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats – claiming that the practice does not adhere to scriptural teachings.
'Masane ki Holi', or 'Bhasm Holi', is a tradition observed on the day after Rangbhari Ekadashi, marking the beginning of Holi, on the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats in Varanasi, where priests and devotees play with ashes and colored powder from burning funeral pyres.
The term 'masan' refers to a cremation ground, and the observance symbolizes the cycle of life and death and Shiva's renunciation. Devotees describe the use of ash as a reminder of mortality and detachment.
Parishad member Vinay Pandey claimed that celebrating Holi at the 'Mahashamshan' was not in accordance with scriptural traditions, and that some people began organizing the event only in recent years, presenting it as an ancient custom.
"There is a certain sanctity associated with a 'shamshan' (cremation ground). It is not a place for festivities. Young people are now violating established traditions there," Pandey claimed.
Sanatan Rakshak Dal state president Ajay Sharma claimed that the practice began in 2014 under the pretext of serving 'thandai' to ascetics and was later portrayed as a centuries-old tradition.
He also claimed that participants indulge in intoxication and unruly behavior in the name of 'Masane Ki Holi'.
Scriptures discourage visiting cremation grounds without reason, he said, adding that such actions lead to ritual impurity.
Referring to the popular 'Masane ki Holi' song associated with the late Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, Sharma said the celebrated Hindustani classical singer had clarified that his rendition was devotional in nature, and not an endorsement of the practice.
Alleging that the event was an attempt to tarnish the city's image, Sharma demanded that the event be stopped immediately.
Event organizer Gulshan Kapoor, however, defended the celebration, saying critics lacked knowledge of local traditions and scriptures.
"References to playing Holi with funeral ash can be found in religious texts. The custom declined during Mughal rule but was later revived," Kapoor claimed.
He also alleged that certain individuals were opposing the event for financial motives after failing to secure donations linked to the celebration.