Holi folk festival begins in Himachal Pradesh

It traces its origin to erstwhile Katoch ruler Sansar Chand.

The four-day Holi folk festival of Sujanpur, which traces its origin to the erstwhile Katoch ruler Sansar Chand, began here amidst fanfare on Thursday, the organisers said.

Politicians were conspicuously absent, thanks to the model code of conduct in force for the April-May Lok Sabha polls. Union Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch is married into the erstwhile royal family.

Historic Chaugan

Sujanpur Holi is a festival with a difference. It comprises folk programmes that will end on the day the festival of colours is celebrated across the northern States — on March 17. Divisional Commissioner Onkar Sharma opened the folk festival at the historic Chaugan.

Besides its historic and religious significance, the festival is linked to the well-being and prosperity of the locals. It also promotes tourism and trade.

It is believed that on Holi, the Katoch ruler put aside his royalty and mingled with the masses. A tank in the royal palace was filled with coloured water and Sansar Chand would kick off the celebrations by splashing it on his queens and relatives. The royal family set out of the palace on elephants and passed through the streets of the town. People standing along the way would throw colours on the members of the family.