From the Mauryan period to the Mughal government… How has the festival of Holi being celebrated in India?

New Delhi: Today, the festival of Holi is being celebrated across the country. There are many mythological stories behind the festival of Holi. But this festival has been changing over time. From ancient times to the Mughal Empire, different rulers celebrated it in their own way. There was a different tradition of celebrating Holi during the Mauryan Empire, so different during the Mughals. Today we will see the colors of Holi during the time of Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and Mughal emperors. Was really Holi celebrated in the olden times as is celebrated today? Let’s tell.

Grand Holi was celebrated during the Mughal period

Holi celebration in India has been celebrated for centuries. Even in the Mughal period, Holi was celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Many Mughal emperors adopted this Hindu festival and made it a part of their culture. Babur Holi, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was called ‘Eid-e-Gulabi’ or ‘Eid of Colors’. In his/her time, music, dance and colors were used on Holi.

Akbar used to play Holi himself

At the same time, Holi was celebrated with more pomp during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar himself used to play Holi. he/she used to enjoy this festival with his/her wife Jodha Bai. Holi celebrations in his/her court and people of all religions used to play Holi.

At the same time, the beauty of Holi remained intact even during the time of Jahangir. his/her wife Nur Jahan also took part in Holi. In his/her court, along with colors, Holi of flowers was also played.

Holi was played with water during Shah Jahan’s period

Apart from this, Holi was called ‘Ab-e-Pashi’ in the era of Shah Jahan, which means water shower. Colors and water as well as music and dance were also organized in the court. Shah Jahan also attended this festival.

Aurangzeb imposed many restrictions

After this, when Aurangzeb became the emperor, he/she imposed some restrictions on Holi. Still common people kept celebrating Holi. During the rule of Aurangzeb, Holi was held in the Mugas Durbar, but people kept their traditions alive.

Holi was like this

Arts and culture were promoted under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty. At that time, the entire state used to celebrate the festival of Holi with pomp. People used to organize colors and celebrations to welcome Vasant. At the same time, Holi was celebrated during the rule of Emperor Ashoka. However, Ashoka accepted Buddhism. But many of his/her courtiers and ministers were Hindus. Apart from this, people who believed in Hindu beliefs in his/her state also had more population.