Faith, folklore & past disputes keep people from celebrating Holi in many hill villages

Bageshwar: While Holi is marked with music and colours across most parts of the country, several villages in Uttarakhand's hill districts continue to abstain from celebrating the festival, citing religious beliefs and past incidents.In parts of Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Rudraprayag districts, there is no khadi or baithki Holi, no ceremonial tika and no playing with colours. The villages remain quiet even as festivities take place elsewhere.Residents say the reasons vary. In some villages, Holi was discontinued after the ceremonial "cheer" (flag) was stolen. In others, repeated instances of drunken brawls and disorder prompted village elders to stop the celebrations. Many also believe that playing Holi could anger their kul devta (clan deity) and invite natural calamities.In Kumaon region, Holi traditionally begins on 'ekadashi' and continues until Holika Dahan, with groups of holiyars moving door to door singing fag songs. However, in Malla Danpur area of Bageshwar district, dozens of villages have not observed the festival for years."Our village hasn't celebrated Holi for as long as I can remember. In the past 45 years, I have never seen festivities here," said Raju Koranga, a resident. "Those who have moved to cities celebrate it there, but the village remains quiet."In parts of Kanda area, including Simkuna and Bamanpur, Holi was not observed for nearly a decade. Residents said unruly behaviour under the influence of alcohol led elders to discontinue the tradition of Holi singing.In Dhanolasera and Loharthal villages of Pithoragarh district, celebrations stopped decades ago for different reasons. Narendra Mehra of Dhanolasera said elders recounted that many years ago, the village's ceremonial cheer was taken away by a neighbouring village, after which the practice ended.In Loharthal, residents cited logistical challenges. "The village expanded over the years. Even after celebrating day and night for six days, it became difficult to reach every household. Eventually, our ancestors decided to stop the tradition," said Vijay Karki.In Khurjan and Kwili villages of Rudraprayag district, residents refrain from celebrating Holi with drumbeats or colours. Villagers believe their presiding deity, Maa Tripura Sundari, disapproves of loud celebrations. "It is believed that celebrating Holi could disturb the goddess," said a resident. Instead, villagers offer prayers but avoid playing with colours.