Songs of Baithaki Holi are resonating in Uttarakhand, the new generation in Ramnagar is understanding the ‘secret’ of ‘Raagas’

These days, the phase of Baithaki Holi is going on in Kumaon of Uttarakhand. The tradition of Holi singing in Kumaon of Uttarakhand is historical. The history of Holi song singing in the mountainous regions is more than 1000 years old. It is believed that the singing of Holi songs in Kumaon started from the cultural city of Almora.
Phase of Baithaki Holi in Kumaon
Every year, Baithaki Holi starts from the month of Paush. The fragrance of Holi singing spreads till the day of Basant Panchami. The songs of Baithaki Holi, which started from the month of Paush in Kumaon, are echoing in cities like Ramnagar as well as Nainital, Almora and Haldwani etc. Kumaoni Holi has its own special identity in the whole country and the world. Nirvana’s Holi singing is going on in different places of Kumaon division in these nights amidst heavy cold. These are sung in different ragas.
Bethaki Holi is believed to be from the time of Chand dynasty
It is believed that the tradition of Baithaki Holi in Kumaon started from the 15th century. The tradition of Holi singing started from the reign of the Chand dynasty. Starting from Kali Kumaon, Gumdesh and Sui, it gradually spread everywhere. Today, the entire Kumaon is colored by it. Holi singing begins with Ganesh Puja and is filled with the worship of Pashupatinath Shiva as well as the laughter and jokes of Radha Krishna of Braj. Based on classical ragas, Baithaki Holi is sung in homes and temples.
Based on ragas, Baithaki Holi
In Baithaki Holi, Holi singing is done in various ragas. Holi singing begins with “Bhav Bhanjan Gun Gaaun, Main Apne Ram Ko Rijhaaun” and “Kya Zindagi Ka Thikana, Firte Man Kyon Re Bhulana, Kahan Gaye Bheem Kahan Duryodhan, Kahan Parth Balwana, “Ganpati Ko Bhej Lije, Rasik Wah To Adi Kahawe” are sung. A large number of elderly, young and children participate in Holi singing.
Heera Ballabh Pathak, an old man singing Baithaki Holi in Ramnagar and director of a music school, says that-
This Holi is different from Khadi Holi. It has the flavour of devotional music from beginning to end. The songs, whether they are full of Shringar Rasa or not, are related to Radha Krishna. When the phase of Baithaki Holi singing begins from the first Sunday of Paush (December), the Sun is worshipped. Actually, one of the names of the Sun is Pusha, so the Sun is worshipped. The Sun is weak these days, to strengthen it, worshipping the Sun is of great importance. Just like the training for Ramleela, this process continues till Basant Panchami. People remember old things. They remember forgotten things and after listening to each other, this phase of singing begins. This rehearsal continues till Basant Panchami. Holi is in its full glory from Basant Panchami.
–Heera Ballabh Pathak, Holi singer-
Holi singer teacher Kailash Chandra Tripathi says that-
Starting from 15 December 2024 this year, the phase of Baithaki Holi will continue till after Basant Panchami. In this, devotional songs, bhajans, devotional ragas of the Lord etc. are sung. The poetry that is sung is related to Nirvana. This program will continue till the day of Holi’s Tika. Baithaki Holis are called Vishnupati Holis. Bhakti songs are sung in it. The purpose of Baithaki Holi must have been that we can hum the ragas and rhythms of Holi and the new generation should learn it. Our aim is to transfer this tradition from one generation to another.
–Kailash Chandra Tripathi, Holi singer-
What do Holi singers say?
Holi singer Shekhar Chand Joshi says that the purpose is that the coming generation should sit in Baithaki Holi and learn it. At the same time, former teacher Vipin Kumar Pant says that this phase of Holi singing started from the time of the Chand dynasty. It is based on classical music. Raga Bhairavi is a mixture of different ragas. During this winter season, people gather together by lighting a fire and enjoy this sitting Holi.