Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat is more than just a site for cremation. It is a blurred line where one can profoundly understand the distinction between life and death. In everyday life, we carry numerous burdens such as wealth, status, work stress, and the pressures of a luxurious lifestyle. But upon stepping into Manikarnika, these burdens begin to fade away.
The soul begins to realize the body it inhabits is akin to clothing since every garment, every covering, and every color represented there is reduced to ash. Naturally, your hands reach out to that cremation ash, tossing it like someone throws colored powder during Holi.
This is Manikarnika's unique Holi, rooted in a philosophy. But the question arises, is it appropriate to play Holi with the ash from a crematorium deemed necessary to cleanse oneself after a pyre is lit? Doesn't this ash carry misfortune? Can we justify a festival-like atmosphere in a crematorium?
Source: aajtak
What's the Mythical Connect to Chita Holi?
Interestingly, ancient texts and Upanishads do not mention Holi being played with ash. However, they do narrate how Lord Shiva smeared cremation ash on his body, earning him the title of 'Aghor'. This is linked to various stories, including one where Shiva applied ash after burning Kamadeva, the god of love.
Another tale tells of the grand celebration by the heavens at Shiva's marriage to Parvati, excluding the commoners. Shiva, being an advocate for the masses, decided to celebrate with his followers in Manikarnika, turning it into an unconventional Holi.
Why 'Play' with Holi?
Holi is unique; other festivals are 'celebrated', but Holi is 'played'. The joy in Holi is born from breaking norms, just as the cremation ash symbolizes freedom from bonds. It breaks distinctions, turning all colors to pure white—an eternal purity.
Why Lord Shiva Smears Ash?
One legend says that Shiva wandered the earth seeking Lord Rama. He found solace in hearing 'Ram Naam Satya Hai' during a cremation procession, realizing the divine presence enveloped in the crematorium ashes.
Shiva then resided among the ashes, adopting it as his own. He made ash his blanket, applying it as sacred paste, acknowledging its symbolism of life, death, and rebirth. Ash is the essence, a gateway to salvation, and possessing all colors despite its simplicity.
Source: aajtak
The Joy of Immersion in Shiva's Essence
This joy isn't comprehensible to deities, but common folk experience it through family, friends, and work. Holi with ash is a testament to life's lessons, where cremation ash transcends misfortune when one embraces this divine play.
Yet, this Holi isn't for everyone, especially not for householders. It's an event for those freed from worldly ties, offering a chance to reflect. The ash Holi celebrates fearlessness and acceptance of mortality, paving the path to liberation.
Kabir aptly said, those who burn their home metaphorically can walk with us...
The Holi of ash summons one to burn pride, anger, status, and relations, to paint oneself in the color of Shiva.
