Samastipur (Bihar): People in the Bhiraha village of Samastipur district in Bihar collectively celebrate Holi regardless of one's caste, race or religion.
According to a popular story, prominent Hindi poet Dinkar was so overwhelmed by Samastipur's Holi celebration that he went on to compare it with the one celebrated in Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan.
Years old tradition
Years ago, people from Bhiraha would travel all the way to Vrindavan to enjoy this festival, given the grandeur attached to it.
Once, while returning home after a similar celebration, the villagers decided to organise an all inclusive festival of colours in their village, which continues till date.
Three-month long preparation
The entire village population consisting of around 20,000 people involve themselves in preparations as Holi arrives closer.
People usually divide themselves into groups and compete with each other on who organises better programmes.
Popular bands, singers and dancers from across the country are also invited for the celebrations.
Three-day long celebration
The events begin with performances by popular bands, followed by song and dance performances by others on the same evening. Hours after Holika Dahan - wherein a heap of wooden plank is burnt as a symbol of burning demoness Holika - a final competition takes place between three finalist bands.
On the day of Holi, villagers gather at Fagua Pokhar - a place designated to observe Holi - situated to the north of the village, to celebrate the festival, popularly known as Holi Pokhar among the villagers. Here, two groups based on the colors they have with them, play with each other.
A while later, entire Fagua Pokhar can be seen draped in a sheet of bright and beautiful colors.
Holi is an ideal example of social harmony in the Indian society. Consisting of a glimpse of the legendary Holi celebrations in Braj, the Holi in Bhiraha village is a beautiful portrayal of the colourful culture of India.
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