Holi/Eid-I-Gulabi in the Mughal Empire

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Apeksha Gandotra, Dr. Veenus Jain

Abstract

Holi was celebrated like Eid in the Mughal era. It was called Eid- e- Gulabi (Pink Eid) or Aab-e-Pashi (shower of colorful flowers). Everyone joined in the fervor and splendor of celebrations that would take place on a massive scale in the Red Fort. Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar encouraged the ideals of plurality, inclusiveness and tolerance. During his reign, all festivals were celebrated with equal exuberance and the practice was continued by his successors, excluding the more orthodox Aurangzeb Alamgir. Bahadur Shah Zafar was another Mughal King who loved to celebrate Holi with the Hindu community.


 It is said that during Holi celebrations, even the poorest among the community would throw color at the Emperor, and artists would mimic him but nobody would take offence. In fact, the Emperor would enjoy the entertainment with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Groups of traveling musicians and artists would gather under the Red Fort and display their tricks and talents The Emperor would reward these artists handsomely as the noble women would watch the events from the balcony.


Not only the Mughal Nawabs, even Muslim poets celebrated Hindu festivals which found eminent place in their respective literary works. Urdu poet Nazir Akbarabadi (1735-1830), celebration of life is best reflected in his Kulliyat/poems on festivals, especially Hindu festive occasions such as auspicious Diwali and Holi. These poems also show the poet's narrativization of Hindu values and rituals associated with mythological figures on a scale intended to highlight their character's greatness and widespread devotion as a cause for celebration.

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