Masan Holi 2026: Holi is called the festival of colors. People across the country celebrate the festival with gulal and colours. But a different tradition is followed in Varanasi. Here Holi is played with the ashes of the pyre. It is called ‘Masaan Holi’ or ‘Bhasma Holi’. In the year 2026, Masane Holi will be celebrated on 28th February. Let us tell you in this article when and who started Masana Holi.
Holi in Kashi starts with Rangbhari Ekadashi. It is believed that after marriage, Lord Shiva came to Kashi with Mother Parvati for the first time. That day the devotees welcomed him with gulal. Baba Vishwanath played Holi of colors with Mother Parvati. The next day, on Phalgun Shukla Dwadashi, Lord Mahashamshannath plays Holi of ashes with his Ganas. It includes the symbols of ghost, ghost, vampire, yaksha and Gandharva.
‘Masaan’ means crematorium i.e. the place where the last rites take place. There are no colors and sprinklers in Masan Holi. Here Holi is played with the ashes of pyre. Devotees of Bholenath dress up as ghosts. Chants of Har Har Mahadev echo all around.
This scene is so full of spirituality and renunciation that people get scared after seeing it. This tradition reminds us of the truth of life. In the end the body turns into ashes, hence this festival gives the message of freedom from attachment and illusion. It is also considered a symbol of the immortality of the soul.
Masaan Holi is also called Bhasma Holi and Bhabhut Holi. People from all over the country and abroad reach Kashi to see this. Sadhus, saints, Aghori and common devotees participate in this Holi. According to tradition, women’s participation in this is considered prohibited.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva started this unique Holi. On Rangbhari Ekadashi, he played Holi with Gulal. But played Bhasma Holi with my family the next day. This tradition has been going on since then. Masaan Holi is not just a celebration. It is a spiritual tradition explaining the deep truth of life and death.
