Do Muslims Celebrate Holi?

Muslims and the Celebration of Holi Till 1947: A Forgotten Legacy

Introduction

Some Muslims still play Holi today, though the participation is not as widespread as it was before 1947. In cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Hyderabad, some Muslim families and communities continue to celebrate Holi as a cultural tradition rather than a religious one.

Holi, the festival of colors, has historically been a celebration of joy, unity, and togetherness. While primarily associated with Hindu traditions, it was not restricted to any one community. Before the partition of India in 1947, Holi was a festival that transcended religious boundaries, with Muslims actively participating in the festivities. The syncretic culture of India allowed people from different faiths to come together and celebrate Holi with great enthusiasm. This article explores how Muslims engaged with Holi until 1947, particularly in regions like Delhi, Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, and how the festival was once a part of the shared cultural heritage of India.

Muslim Participation in Holi During the Mughal Era

The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, and Muhammad Shah Rangila, were known to embrace Holi celebrations.

Akbar and Holi

Akbar (1556–1605) played a crucial role in promoting religious harmony. He was known for his secular outlook and enjoyed Holi celebrations in his court. Accounts suggest that Akbar not only permitted but also participated in Holi festivities. His court would be decorated with colors, and he would allow courtiers and commoners alike to smear gulal (colored powder) on him.

Jahangir and Holi Paintings

Jahangir (1605–1627) was also deeply involved in Holi celebrations. Miniature paintings from his era depict Holi being played in the royal court, with the emperor and his queens throwing colors at each other. These paintings highlight how Holi had become an accepted cultural practice within the Mughal elite.

Muhammad Shah Rangila and Grand Holi Celebrations

The most enthusiastic Mughal patron of Holi was Muhammad Shah Rangila (1719–1748). Known for his love of festivities and arts, he took Holi celebrations to grand levels. The Red Fort became the center of celebrations, where people from different backgrounds, including Hindu and Muslim courtiers, played Holi together.

Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Poetry on Holi

Even the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar (1837–1857), mentioned Holi in his poetry. His verses captured the essence of Holi as a festival of unity, showcasing the deep cultural ties between Hindus and Muslims.

Holi in Awadh: The Nawabs of Lucknow

The Nawabs of Awadh, especially in Lucknow, were known for their grand Holi celebrations. The region was a stronghold of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, a cultural synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

• The Nawabs played Holi with Hindu ministers and poets.
• One popular tradition was “Aab-e-Pashi”, where colored water was sprinkled on guests.
• Courtiers and common people alike participated in the revelry, making Holi a festival of inclusivity.

The Nawabs ensured that Holi was a grand affair, with music, poetry (shairi), and feasting. The festival became a platform for strengthening communal harmony.

Holi in Delhi: A Celebration of Unity

Delhi, as the seat of the Mughal Empire, had a rich tradition of Holi celebrations. The festival was embraced not just by emperors but also by common Muslim families who took part in neighborhood festivities.

• Mirza Ghalib, the famous Urdu poet, often described Holi in his writings and was known to join in the celebrations.
• Muslims in Old Delhi participated in Phoolon Ki Holi, a tradition of playing Holi with flower petals.
• Streets of Chandni Chowk would be filled with processions of color, music, and dance, uniting people beyond religious identities.

Bengal and Hyderabad: Nawabs and the Cultural Mix

In Bengal and Hyderabad, Muslim rulers and noble families played an active role in Holi celebrations.

Holi in Bengal

Bengal’s Nawabs, particularly under Murshid Quli Khan and later Siraj-ud-Daulah, encouraged interfaith celebrations.

• Dol Jatra (Holi in Bengal) was celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims.
• Poets and musicians composed verses that reflected the communal harmony associated with the festival.
• The Nawabs hosted events where colors were thrown, and sweets were distributed.

Hyderabad’s Holi Traditions

The Nizams of Hyderabad, despite being conservative in religious matters, did not discourage Holi celebrations.

• Muslim poets and musicians performed special Holi-themed ghazals and qawwalis.
• Holi became an occasion for cultural exchanges between the Hindu and Muslim elite.
• In many households, Hindu and Muslim families played Holi together, reinforcing social harmony.

Holi in Rural India: A Festival for All

In rural India, Holi was never seen as an exclusive Hindu festival. Villages across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh saw active participation from Muslim communities.

• Muslim artisans, such as weavers and musicians, joined their Hindu counterparts in Holi festivities.
• Bhaang (an intoxicating drink) and sweets were shared regardless of religion.
• Holi melas (fairs) attracted people from all communities, making it a festival of the masses.

Why Did Muslim Participation Decline After 1947?

While Holi remained a festival of unity till 1947, several factors contributed to the gradual decline of Muslim participation:

1. Partition of India (1947): The creation of Pakistan and the communal riots of 1947 led to a deep religious divide. Many Muslims distanced themselves from Holi as part of the broader societal separation.
2. Rise of Religious Identity Politics: Post-independence, religious identities became more rigid, leading to the categorization of festivals along religious lines.
3. Changing Social Norms: The urbanization of Indian society reduced the intermingling of Hindu and Muslim communities, affecting the shared celebration of festivals.

Legacy of Shared Celebrations Today

Even today, traces of this shared history exist. In cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, some Muslim families still participate in Holi. Organizations promoting communal harmony have revived the traditions of Phoolon Ki Holi and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb celebrations.

Conclusion

Holi, till 1947, was not just a Hindu festival but a celebration embraced by people of all communities, including Muslims. The Mughals, Nawabs, poets, and common folk actively participated in Holi, making it a festival of inclusivity. The cultural synthesis of India, reflected in the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, fostered an environment where Holi was seen as a unifying force rather than a religious boundary. Though post-1947 changes led to a decline in Muslim participation, the historical legacy of a shared Holi still holds lessons in communal harmony and cultural unity.

By reviving and remembering these traditions, modern India can continue to embrace the spirit of Holi as a festival that belongs to all, irrespective of religious identity.