Varanasi, India – The three-day grand celebration of Rangbhari Ekadashi was held at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Sunday, marking the beginning of Holi festivities in the spiritual capital of India. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness this auspicious event, where the idols of Baba Vishwanath and Goddess Gaura were ritually worshipped and placed at the temple courtyard with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Special Offerings of Abir to Baba Vishwanath
As part of the traditional celebrations, a special offering of Abir (colored powder) and other sacred materials were sent from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, to Baba Vishwanath. The ritualistic application of Abir on the divine idols symbolized the arrival of Holi in Kashi, a tradition deeply rooted in the cultural and religious heritage of the city.
Massive Devotee Participation in the Festivities
The Rangbhari Ekadashi celebration saw a massive turnout of devotees, who actively participated in the traditional rituals. A significant part of the event was the Haldi (turmeric) application ceremony, in which devotees applied turmeric to Baba Vishwanath and Goddess Gaura as a mark of devotion and reverence.
The temple premises were filled with chants of “Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev”, as devotees showered flowers and played with Abir and Gulal, creating a mesmerizing sight of colors and devotion.
The three-day festival was not just a spiritual event but also a cultural spectacle, showcasing the rich traditions of Varanasi. The temple authorities made special arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, facilitating thousands of devotees who thronged the sacred site.
Arrival of the Gauna Baraat – A Sacred Tradition
According to Hindu traditions, Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the arrival of the Gauna Baraat, symbolizing the divine procession of Lord Shiva taking Goddess Parvati home after their celestial wedding. This event signifies the union of Shiva and Shakti, which is considered highly auspicious by devotees.
During this occasion, Shiva’s devotees seek his blessings for prosperity, marital harmony, and spiritual upliftment. It is believed that by offering prayers and participating in the festivities, one can overcome life’s difficulties and find a suitable life partner.
Seeking Permission to Play Holi with the Divine
A unique aspect of Rangbhari Ekadashi is that devotees seek permission from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to celebrate Holi. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva plays Holi with his devotees, marking the beginning of the grand Holi celebrations in Varanasi.
As per ancient beliefs, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visit Kashi on Rangbhari Ekadashi, and Shiva takes Parvati on a tour of her parental home, symbolizing her visit to her maternal place before the grand Holi festival.
The Spiritual Significance of Rangbhari Ekadashi
Devotees strongly believe that worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day fulfills one wishes, particularly in matters of marriage and relationships. Performing special prayers on this auspicious occasion is said to remove obstacles and bring happiness and prosperity to one’s life.
The streets and ghats of Kashi are filled with colors, devotion, and festivities, making Rangbhari Ekadashi one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant events in the city.
The Essence of Rangbhari Ekadashi in Kashi
The Rangbhari Ekadashi celebrations at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple mark the official beginning of Holi in Varanasi, uniting spirituality with cultural grandeur. The festival not only showcases deep-rooted traditions but also highlights Varanasi’s unique way of celebrating Holi, blending devotion, rituals, and joy.
As devotees immerse themselves in spiritual bliss and festive colors, the Rangbhari Ekadashi festival continues to strengthen the cultural and religious essence of Kashi, making it a must-experience event for every Hindu devotee.
