Even though Holi is celebrated across the subcontinent, each region has unique customs to mark the Festival of Colour. Traditionally, Holi is a celebration of good over evil, starting with the burning of the holika pyre on the eve of the festival.
In Kumaon, Holi is a musical affair that lasts most of the spring season. Women take the lead role. The musical gatherings take several forms. Bhaitaki Holi begins from Basant Panchmi and features Hindustani ragas with an influence of folk music. Strict attention is paid to the time of day at which the songs are sung. For instance, noon time is for songs based on Peelu, Bhimpalasi and Sarang ragas. Evening songs are based on ragas like Kalyan, Shyamkalyan and Yaman.
Khadi Holi is mostly celebrated in the rural areas of Kumaon and has a strong rustic flavour. Mahila Holi refers to gatherings composed solely of women.
These images from 2013 provide a glimpse into the festivities.
A woman in a celebratory mood. In Kumaun, Holi starts with the onset of spring on Basant Panchami and extends over two months.
During Baithaki Holi, revellers get together in one others’ homes singing and feasting on traditional savories. The play of colour begins only a few days before the main festival.
Women move from temple to temple, singing and dancing. The speakers of the truck seen in the background play loud music, inviting women to stop by and shake a leg.
Children are quick to pick up from the adults.
Women dominate the public celebrations of Holi in Kumaon. Men meet in their own groups to gamble and drink.
In Kumaon, Holi is a musical affair that lasts most of the spring season. Women take the lead role. The musical gatherings take several forms. Bhaitaki Holi begins from Basant Panchmi and features Hindustani ragas with an influence of folk music. Strict attention is paid to the time of day at which the songs are sung. For instance, noon time is for songs based on Peelu, Bhimpalasi and Sarang ragas. Evening songs are based on ragas like Kalyan, Shyamkalyan and Yaman.
Khadi Holi is mostly celebrated in the rural areas of Kumaon and has a strong rustic flavour. Mahila Holi refers to gatherings composed solely of women.
These images from 2013 provide a glimpse into the festivities.
A woman in a celebratory mood. In Kumaun, Holi starts with the onset of spring on Basant Panchami and extends over two months.
During Baithaki Holi, revellers get together in one others’ homes singing and feasting on traditional savories. The play of colour begins only a few days before the main festival.
Women move from temple to temple, singing and dancing. The speakers of the truck seen in the background play loud music, inviting women to stop by and shake a leg.
Children are quick to pick up from the adults.
Women dominate the public celebrations of Holi in Kumaon. Men meet in their own groups to gamble and drink.
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