The Mystery of "Bhabhuti Holi" in Varanasi

Varanasi, the world's oldest living city, is considered the spiritual capital of India. The city is closely associated with Hinduism, particularly the Hindu beliefs concerning life, death, and moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth). It is said that the people who die in Varanasi are liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. This philosophy of accepting death as a road to everlasting peace is a fundamental theme in the celebration of Bhabhuti Holi.

Bhabhuti Holi, also known as ‘Chita Bhasma Holi’, is an extraordinary tradition observed at the Manikarnika Ghat, the most sacred cremation ground in Varanasi. Unlike conventional Holi celebrations, where bright colors symbolize life and joy, Bhabhuti Holi is played with the ashes of cremated bodies. Devotees smear themselves with the sacred ash, believing it represents the ultimate truth of human existence, death and liberation.
This practice is mainly linked to the Aghori sadhus, a mendicant cult famous for its radical and atypical spiritualism. For these sadhus, the cremation ground is neither a site of mourning but rather a holy spot of transcendence, where worldly attachments are shed in pursuit of ultimate enlightenment.

The celebration of Bhabhuti Holi is deeply rooted in Shaivism, the sect devoted to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is often depicted as smearing his body with ash, signifying his detachment from worldly pleasures and his dominance over the cycle of birth and death. Shiva's association with cremation grounds and his status as the supreme yogi add to the religious importance of Bhabhuti Holi. A popular legend states that when Lord Shiva lost his beloved wife Sati, he carried her body across the universe in immense grief. The gods, in an attempt to ease his suffering, incinerated Sati’s body, leaving Shiva covered in her ashes. This event is believed to have marked the beginning of his practice of smearing ash on his body. In a similar vein, devotees playing Bhabhuti Holi believe that covering themselves in ash brings them closer to Shiva and helps them detach from materialistic desires.


Bhabhuti Holi is celebrated by a select group of devotees, particularly the Aghoris and Shaivite sadhus, on Rangbhari Ekadashi, a few days before the main Holi festival. The rituals begin at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are traditionally adorned and carried in a grand procession. The devotees then proceed to the Manikarnika Ghat, where they smear themselves and others with ash from the cremation pyres. The ritual is accompanied by the chanting of Shiva mantras, singing of hymns, and the playing of traditional musical instruments. While it may seem morbid to outsiders, for the participants, it is a deeply spiritual act, one that signifies renunciation, devotion, and the acceptance of life’s impermanence.
Bhabhuti Holi is not just about playing with ash; it is a profound expression of Hindu philosophy. The practice represents various things such as:

The concept of Bhabhuti Holi often sparks curiosity and controversy. Many people find the idea of using cremation ash unsettling, associating it with death and mourning. However, for those who partake in the ritual, it is not about glorifying death but rather embracing the cycle of life and attaining a deeper understanding of existence. In recent years, scholars and spiritual seekers from around the world have taken an interest in this unique practice. Some view it as a radical expression of faith, while others see it as a symbolic rejection of materialism and ego. The Aghoris, who lead the celebrations, remain an enigmatic sect—misunderstood by many but revered by those who seek the path of true renunciation.
Holi, in its essence, is a festival that celebrates love, unity, and the arrival of spring. While the rest of the country revels in an explosion of colors, Bhabhuti Holi offers a stark yet profound contrast. It is a reminder that beyond the joys and festivities, there lies a deeper, spiritual reality, one that urges people to embrace the truth of mortality and seek higher consciousness.

The mystery of Bhabhuti Holi in Varanasi is more than just an unusual tradition; it is a powerful spiritual statement that challenges conventional perceptions of life and death. In the heart of India’s holiest city, amidst the flames of the eternal pyres, devotees play Holi not with colors but with the ashes of the departed. This extraordinary practice, steeped in mythology and devotion, serves as a reminder that in the grand cycle of existence, life and death are but two sides of the same coin. Whether viewed with reverence or curiosity, Bhabhuti Holi remains one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking aspects of India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.