Ayodhya Holi 2025: Naga Sadhus Led Vibrant Rangotsav Celebration at Hanuman Garhi Temple

Ayodhya Holi 2025: Naga Sadhus Led Vibrant Rangotsav Celebration at Hanuman Garhi Temple

The festival of Holi in Ayodhya is a grand spiritual celebration, deeply rooted in traditions and devotion. This year’s Rangotsav at Hanuman Garhi began with great enthusiasm, continuing the age-old practice of initiating festivities five days before Holi, on Falgun Shukla Ekadashi.

A Joyous Beginning at Hanuman Garhi

On Monday morning, Naga Sadhus assembled at Hanuman Garhi, the sacred abode of Bajrangbali, to commence the colorful celebrations. As per tradition, they first offered abir-gulal at the feet of Hanuman Ji, signifying devotion and reverence. This was followed by an hour of jubilant color play in the temple courtyard, where the ascetics immersed themselves in the joyous spirit of Holi. The idol of Hanuman Ji was then beautifully adorned, adding a divine charm to the occasion.

The Grand Procession Through Ayodhya

Following the temple rituals, the Naga Sadhus carried the idol of Hanuman Ji on their shoulders, supported by large silver and iron rods, as they descended the temple steps. They proceeded through the city, spreading the festive spirit with music and showers of colors along Ayodhya’s inner roads. Their journey was marked by visits to significant temples, including Rajgopal, Narhari Temple, Tulsidas Ji’s camp, Ramvaidehi Temple, Maniramdas Ji’s camp, and Raghunathdas Ji’s camp. At every stop, saints and devotees greeted them with prayers and joined in the vibrant celebration.

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The Frustrated Indian (@FrustIndian) March 10, 2025

As the procession moved forward, the Naga Sadhus became covered in hues of gulal, symbolizing the inclusivity and shared joy of Holi. The celebration reaffirmed that Holi transcends societal barriers, uniting people from all walks of life—whether ascetics or householders—in devotion and festivity.

By midday, after covering half of the sacred Panchkosi Parikrama, the Naga Sadhus concluded their journey with a purifying dip in the Saryu River. As they immersed themselves in the holy waters, their sweat and colors merged with the river, embodying the festival’s spirit of renewal and togetherness.

Holi: Spiritual Significance

Mahant Sanjaydas, who leads the Rangbhari Ekadashi procession from Hanuman Garhi, highlighted Holi’s spiritual essence. He described it as a festival representing the divine union of Parvati and Shiva, reinforcing the principle of faith and devotion. He further emphasized that the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—is deeply reflected in the harmony between devotion and sainthood, as exemplified in the festival’s celebrations.

Holi at Acharya Peeth Dashrath Mahal

Another key highlight of Ayodhya’s Holi celebrations is the event at Acharya Peeth Dashrath Mahal, an important site in Hindu mythology. Here, Holi is marked by a unique combination of music, meditation, and colors. Peethadheeshwar Bindugadacharya Devendraprasadacharya, who organizes the celebrations, described Holi as a spiritual transition from self-acceptance to self-realization, a belief deeply ingrained in Vaishnav traditions. At Dashrath Mahal, the festival is more than just a play of colors; it is an experience of divine joy, devotion, and introspection.

Holi in Ayodhya is not just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, tradition, and togetherness. With the Naga Sadhus leading the vibrant Rangotsav, the city transforms into a canvas of colors, music, and devotion. As the echoes of Har Har Mahadev and Jai Bajrangbali fill the air, Ayodhya’s Holi stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India.