Holika Bonfire Lit First in Mahakal’s Courtyard, Festival of Colours To Begin With Tradition Today

Ujjain: For the first time, Holi has started in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga of Ujjain. Baba Mahakal was decorated in a special way during the evening aarti on Monday. A beautiful garland made of sugar was garlanded, and then Aarti was performed by offering herbal gulal. The entire atmosphere was filled with devotion and colors.

Where did Holika burn first?

Right after the Aarti, the priests worshipped Holika on the temple premises. Holika made of cow dung cakes was set on fire with Vedic mantras. This tradition is special because the celebration of Holi in the country starts from the courtyard of Mahakal. Devotees believe that Baba Mahakaal is the lord of time, hence festivals are celebrated here first.

What will be special on Tuesday?

According to tradition, colors will be showered in Bhasma Aarti at 4 am. The priest will play Holi with Lord Mahakal with herbal gulal. On the day of Dhulendi, there is an old tradition of offering Gulal to the Lord in all the five Aartis of the temple. Seeing this scene, the eyes of the devotees become moist, because here color becomes a symbol of devotion.

What are the restrictions in the temple?

The temple administration has clearly said that Holi should be celebrated in the traditional manner with enthusiasm, but no hooliganism will be tolerated. To avoid any disturbance in the royal style, priests, their servants, and devotees are prohibited from playing Holi in the temple premises. No visitor will be able to go inside with colors, gulal, pressure guns, colored cylinders, or any such thing. There will be strict police checking at the entry gates so that the sanctity of the temple is maintained.

This festival is not just of colors but of faith. Lakhs of devotees reach Ujjain from far and wide, just to have the darshan of Baba Mahakal and seek the blessings of this special Holi. The family members watch it live on TV sitting at home and chant "Jai Mahakal" in their mind. Enjoy Holi, but in a safe and respectful manner.