Holi's Multicultural Legacy: In Mughal India Holi Was Celebrated As Eid-A-Gulabi

Despite common belief, Holi was not only celebrated by Hindus but also by Muslims. During the Mughal era, Holi was observed as Eid-a-gulabi (Pink Holi) or Aab-e-Pashi (shower of colorful flowers), as stated by KK Muhammed, former regional director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and recipient of the Padma Shri award.

Mehfil-e-Holi of the Mughal empire

Abul Fazl, an Indian writer, historian, and politician who served as the grand vizier of the Mughal Empire, elaborates in the Ain-i-Akbari, a comprehensive administrative document, that the Mughal emperor used to gather exquisite water guns (pichkaris) of various sizes throughout the year and eagerly anticipated the festival of Holi.

In Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri, Emperor Jahangir recounts his active participation in Holi celebrations and the organisation of gatherings known as ¡®Mehfil-e-Holi¡¯. Numerous paintings depict Jahangir playing Holi with his wife Noor Jahan, created by artists like Govardhan and Rasik.

Holi in the Mughal empire/ Asia Society

Furthermore, in a remarkable painting, Mughal Emperor Mohammed Shah Rangila is depicted joyfully running around the palace with his wife following him, holding a pichkari. Using the pen name ¡®Sadarang¡¯, Rangila vividly portrays the scenes of Holi through this composition.

The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, whose Holi songs (phags) are cherished even today, permitted his Hindu ministers to apply gulal on his forehead during Holi festivities each year.

British Library

Not only the Mughal Nawabs, but also Muslim poets celebrated Hindu festivals, which were prominently featured in their literary works.

A celebration in the Red fort

Melas or fairs would take place behind the Red Fort, along the banks of the Yamuna river. A large crowd would assemble from the fort all the way to Raj Ghat. Musical instruments like the dhaf, jhanjaen, and nafiri (tambourine, cymbal, and trumpet) would resound, accompanied by the lively dances of nautch girls.

Red Fort/ Britannica

Traveling groups of musicians and artists would gather beneath the Red Fort, showcasing their talents and performing various tricks.

Meanwhile, the queens, princesses, and noblewomen would be seated in their jharokas (overhanging enclosed balconies), delighting in the entertainment unfolding before them.