The Newz Radar
MANDI: In the vibrant setting of Chhoti Kashi Mandi, the celebration of Holi unfolds with unique traditions and fervour. Unlike the national Holi, Mandi’s festivities kick off a day prior, setting the streets ablaze with the vivid hues of “abir” and “gulal” as the entire town converges to revel in the festivities.
At the break of dawn, revelers gather in the bustling markets, marking the commencement of Mandi’s distinctive Holi. Notably, the spirit of camaraderie transcends age and gender, with women joining in the merriment alongside their male counterparts at the iconic Seri Manch in the heart of Mandi town. Here, amidst spirited music pulsating from DJs, locals sway to Bollywood and Pahari beats, infusing the atmosphere with infectious energy for three consecutive hours.
Rooted in history, Mandi’s Holi mirrors the unity and harmony between monarchs and subjects. In bygone eras, the King of Mandi would inaugurate the festivities at Madhov Rai’s courtyard, symbolising reverence for the local deity, an embodiment of Lord Krishna. The monarch’s participation in the colorful revelry, followed by interactions with the populace, further underscored the festival’s essence.
The culmination of Mandi’s Holi is marked by the grand procession of Madhav Rao, affectionately known as “madho rao ri jaleb,” where the revered deity is paraded through the town amidst soulful bhajans and devotional melodies. This spectacle epitomizes the enduring bond between royalty and commoners.
While urban revelry subsides by noon, rural Mandi retains the fervor of Holi with traditional customs. Natural colors, including the revered “pathawa” extracted from pine and deodar trees, adorn villagers as symbols of prosperity and purity. Rituals like the symbolic burning of the “Kabhal” branch and culinary delights like “chiladru” further enrich the festivity, weaving a tapestry of cultural heritage and communal joy.
Beyond Mandi, neighbouring Suket preserves its own cherished traditions. Notably, the custom of distributing “Banta” – a blend of savory and sweet rotis – to daughters’ in-laws symbolises familial bonds and ancestral legacy, embodying the enduring spirit of tradition and kinship. In the valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Holi transcends mere revelry, fostering a deeper connection between humanity and nature through vibrant hues and age-old customs.
