Ayodhya: The festival of Holi in the Awadh region formally began with a grand procession led by saints carrying the symbolic representation of Lord Hanuman on the occasion of Rangbhari Ekadashi. A vibrant and devotional atmosphere was witnessed across Ayodhya as thousands of devotees gathered at temples to mark the beginning of the festivities.
Large crowds visited the Ram Mandir Ayodhya and Hanumangarhi Temple, where special rituals, aarti, and gulal celebrations were held. Holi was celebrated with traditional fervor in more than 7,000 temples across Ayodhya, with visible enthusiasm among devotees and saints alike.
Centuries-Old Tradition Begins from Hanumangarhi
Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj of Siddhpeeth Hanumangarhi said the ritual has been observed for centuries. He explained that the symbolic flag representing Lord Hanuman is worshipped at Hanumangarhi, followed by a ceremonial procession and the Panchkosi Parikrama around Ayodhya.
According to temple tradition, invitations to celebrate Holi (Phag) are formally extended to all temples and monasteries across the city after the ritual at Hanumangarhi. In Awadh, Lord Hanuman is regarded as the guardian deity of Ayodhya, and hence Holi celebrations traditionally begin from his temple before spreading to other shrines.
Panchkosi Parikrama with Music and Naga Sadhus
Swami Sanjay Das, successor to Mahant Gyandas Ji Maharaj of Hanumangarhi, said that Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the spiritual onset of the Phalguna month festivities.
After worshipping the symbolic representation of Lord Hanuman, saints, accompanied by Naga sadhus, traditional music, drums, and devotional chants, proceed on the Panchkosi Parikrama.
The day is considered auspicious as it signals the arrival of Holi, with temples across Ayodhya invited to join the celebrations.
Holi Celebrations Across India on Rangbhari Ekadashi
On Rangbhari Ekadashi, special events are organized at Hanumangarhi, where saints carry the sacred symbol in a ceremonial procession and complete the Panchkosi Parikrama.
Beyond Ayodhya, temples across the country celebrate the day by offering gulal and symbolically playing Holi with the deities. In Mathura and Vrindavan, grand celebrations are held at the famous Banke Bihari Temple, drawing thousands of devotees.
The centuries-old tradition in Ayodhya not only marks the ceremonial beginning of Holi in Awadh but also reflects the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the festival in India’s temple towns.
