Varanasi's Masan Holi Ashes Ritual Faces Opposition Over Cremation Ground Use

Masan Holi, a unique Holi tradition in Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat, involves playing with ashes from funeral pyres, reflecting Shaivite ascetic rituals linked to Lord Shiva. While devotees view it as a spiritual practice symbolizing life, death, and rebirth, critics including the Dom community and Kashi Vidvat Parishad oppose it, citing disruption to mourners and lack of scriptural sanction. Authorities have received calls to ban the celebration at cremation grounds to maintain peace during last rites.