Uttarakhand Villages Maintain Holi Abstention Amidst Nationwide Festivities
While Holi is celebrated with vibrant colors and music across most of India, numerous villages in the hill districts of Uttarakhand continue to refrain from observing the festival. This unique cultural practice is rooted in deep-seated religious beliefs and historical incidents that have shaped local traditions over decades.
Religious and Historical Reasons for Non-Celebration
In parts of Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Rudraprayag districts, the absence of Holi is stark. There is no khadi or baithki Holi, no ceremonial tika, and no playing with colors. Villages remain quiet even as festivities erupt elsewhere in the region. Residents attribute this to various factors, including the theft of ceremonial flags, known as "cheer," and concerns over drunken brawls that disrupted past celebrations.
Many villagers firmly believe that participating in Holi could anger their kul devta (clan deity), potentially inviting natural calamities. This spiritual conviction has led to a collective decision to abstain from the festival, preserving a sense of harmony and respect for local deities.
Specific Village Examples and Local Accounts
In the Kumaon region, Holi traditionally begins on ekadashi and continues until Holika Dahan, with groups of holiyars singing fag songs door-to-door. However, in the Malla Danpur area of Bageshwar district, dozens of villages have not observed the festival for years. Raju Koranga, a resident, stated, "Our village hasn't celebrated Holi for as long as I can remember. In the past 45 years, I have never seen festivities here. Those who have moved to cities celebrate it there, but the village remains quiet."
In the Kanda area, including Simkuna and Bamanpur, Holi was not observed for nearly a decade. Unruly behavior under the influence of alcohol prompted village elders to discontinue the tradition of Holi singing, prioritizing community order over festive activities.
Logistical and Deity-Related Challenges
In Dhanolasera and Loharthal villages of Pithoragarh district, celebrations ceased decades ago for distinct reasons. Narendra Mehra of Dhanolasera explained that elders recounted the theft of the village's ceremonial cheer by a neighboring village, leading to the end of the practice. In Loharthal, logistical challenges arose as the village expanded. Vijay Karki noted, "The village grew over the years. Even after celebrating day and night for six days, it became difficult to reach every household. Eventually, our ancestors decided to stop the tradition."
In Khurjan and Kwili villages of Rudraprayag district, residents avoid Holi celebrations with drumbeats or colors. They believe their presiding deity, Maa Tripura Sundari, disapproves of loud festivities. A resident shared, "It is believed that celebrating Holi could disturb the goddess." Instead, villagers offer prayers but strictly refrain from playing with colors, maintaining a solemn atmosphere in reverence to their deity.
