Do you know in Mughal India Holi was celebrated as Eid-A-Gulabi? Contrary to popular belief, historical records reveal that Holi wasn’t confined to Hindu celebrations during the Mughal era.
As per KK Muhammed, former regional director of the Archaeological Survey of India, and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Muslims actively participated in Holi festivities.
Known as Eid-a-gulabi (Pink Holi) or Aab-e-Pashi (shower of colorful flowers), Holi was embraced across religious lines.
Holi was celebrated as Eid-A-Gulabi
Royal Accounts Paint a Vivid Picture
Abul Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari and Emperor Jahangir’s Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri offer fascinating insights into the Mughal emperors’ anticipation of Holi.
They eagerly collected water guns (pichkaris) and organized grand gatherings known as ‘Mehfil-e-Holi’.
Depictions by renowned artists like Govardhan and Rasik immortalize these moments, showcasing Jahangir and his consort Noor Jahan immersed in the festivities.
Emperor Rangila’s Vibrant Celebrations
Intriguingly, Mohammed Shah Rangila, under the pen name ‘Sadarang’, captured the essence of Holi through art.
His joyful depiction, running with his wife while wielding a pichkari, highlights the exuberance of Holi celebrations among Mughal royalty.
Lasting Legacy of Bahadur Shah Zafar
Even the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, embraced Holi, allowing Hindu ministers to mark the occasion by applying gulal on his forehead.
His Holi songs (phags) continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting the enduring cultural amalgamation of the era.
Literary and Cultural Exchange
Muslim poets, alongside their Hindu counterparts, celebrated Hindu festivals in their literary works, underscoring the cultural exchange prevalent during the Mughal era.
Vibrant Scenes Behind the Red Fort
The Red Fort served as a vibrant backdrop for Holi festivities, with melas or fairs bustling along the Yamuna riverbanks.
The air reverberated with the sounds of musical instruments, accompanied by lively nautch girl performances.
Noblewomen, ensconced in their jharokas, savored the spectacle, while traveling artists showcased their talents, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Mughal era stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence and shared celebration of diverse cultural traditions, exemplified vividly through the embracing of Holi across religious lines.
