Masan Holi 2026: Why is Masan Holi played with the ashes of the pyre in Kashi, how did this tradition start?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Holi will be celebrated around the world with colors and gulal on March 4, 2026, but in Kashi, the city of Baba Vishwanath, a Holi is played that is both amazing and unimaginable. This tradition of playing Holi with the ashes of a funeral pyre at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is centuries old.

This year, Rangbhari Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 27, 2026, and the following day, February 28, will be Masan Holi (Masan Holi 2026 Date). While the mere mention of a crematorium evokes fear, devotees of Mahadev celebrate death by throwing ashes here. This unique Holi is called 'Masan Holi.' It is believed that this tradition was started by Lord Shiva himself, and there is a deep spiritual reason behind it.

According to mythology, on Rangbhari Ekadashi in the month of Phalgun, Lord Shiva returned to Kashi for the first time after bidding farewell to Goddess Parvati. In that joy, he celebrated with his devotees and followers by throwing gulal and gulal. However, some of Mahadev's beloved devotees, such as ghosts, demons, and aghoris, were unable to participate in the festivities.

Shiva is a caring person, so how could he leave any of his devotees alone? Therefore, on the day after Ekadashi, Mahadev himself visited Manikarnika Ghat. There, he played Holi with his special devotees living in the cremation grounds, using the ashes of burning pyres. Since then, this unique tradition of Masan Holi (Masan Holi 2026 History) has continued in Kashi.

The Celebration of Death and the Ease of Shiva

Masan Holi teaches us that nothing is evil or impure in the eyes of Mahadev. For him, the joy of life and the peace of death are both the same. Playing Holi with the ashes of the crematorium signifies that death is not the end of life, but a new beginning. While Mahadev is the God of gods, he is also happy even in the ashes of the crematorium with the Aghoris. On this day, when devotees throw ashes in the air like gulal amidst the resonant sound of the damru, the sight is worth seeing. This tradition teaches us that the body will one day merge with the soil, so one should remain happy under all circumstances.

Planetary peace and spiritual benefits

From an astrological perspective, ashes are considered sacred and negativity-removing. Worshiping Shiva on the day of Masan Holi is believed to alleviate many negative afflictions in the horoscope. For those suffering from mental unrest or fear of the unknown, this form of Mahadev is extremely beneficial. Applying an ashes tilak on this day stabilizes the mind and increases self-confidence. This time teaches us to conduct our lives with complete devotion to God.

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