Chhattisgarh village follows century-old Holi tradition

Raigarh | Correspondent: Salheona village, located in the Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district adjacent to Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, remains in the headlines for its unique and mysterious tradition. While other parts of the country celebrate the festival of colors according to calendar dates, the people of this village still celebrate Holi only on Saturdays or Tuesdays, following ancient beliefs.

This ritual, which has been going on for almost a century, has a horrific past hidden behind it, which even the new generation of the village observes with great fervor.

According to residents and elders, decades ago, mysterious fires would break out in the village on the occasion of Holi. Once a fire broke out, it would engulf the entire village in no time. Frightened by this loss of life and property for several years, the villagers sought refuge with the Brahma Avadhoot Sadhus, who advised them to perform special peace rituals and perform pujas on specific days.

As per the Sadhus' instructions, Holi has since been celebrated in the village only when the festival falls on a Tuesday or Saturday. If Holi falls on any other day, the entire village remains silent, and no one plays with colors.

Traditionally, special prayers and havans are performed for the village deities on the day of the festival. Only after this ritual, which lasts approximately two hours, are villagers permitted to play with colors.

The village youth and Panchayat members explain that this is not just a custom, but a belief to ward off misfortune. This is why the 2,500-strong population of Salheona still faithfully follows this pledge of their ancestors. Symbolic Photo