Bhilwara Holi Tradition: In Rajasthan, the festival of Holi is known for its colours, enthusiasm and traditions. But a unique event celebrated after Holi in Bhilwara becomes a topic of discussion across the country. Here, a formal funeral procession of a living youth is taken out, shroud is covered and even preparations are made for the last rites. However, this is not a mourning, but a special religious and cultural tradition, which thousands of people come to see.
This tradition in Bhilwara city is said to be about 400 years old. This is known as Ila ji ka dol or dead body ride. This event is organized seven days after the main Holi, i.e. on the day of Sheetala Saptami. According to local beliefs, this tradition symbolizes new energy and positive beginning by bidding farewell to evil, negativity and old sorrows.
How is this unique ritual performed?
According to tradition, a living youth is selected from the Havel of Chittor people. He is laid on the bier and covered with a shroud. After this, his funeral procession is taken out in the entire city with musical instruments and drums. The young man lies quietly on the bier during the entire journey. People blow gulal and become a part of this procession by dancing and singing. Because this is not an atmosphere of mourning, but of celebration. When the journey reaches its last stop, preparations are made for the last rites.
The young man suddenly gets up and runs away
The most exciting moment of this tradition comes when just before the last rites in the crematorium, the young man lying on the bier suddenly gets up and runs into the crowd. After this, an effigy made of grass and straw is placed on the bier in its place and cremated. People come from far and wide to see all this.
What is the message of this tradition?
The dead body ride in Bhilwara city is not just a religious ritual but also gives a deep message that the end of evils and negative thinking means bidding farewell to old sorrows and sufferings and welcoming new energy and new beginnings. On the day of Sheetala Saptami, there is a fair like atmosphere in Bhilwara. Not only local people, but also devotees and tourists from other districts and states come to see this unique tradition. This unique Holi tradition of Bhilwara shows that there is some deep meaning hidden behind every ritual in Indian culture. Even today, Ila ji’s idol gives the message to the people that after every end there is a new beginning.
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Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.