This photo was shot at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on the occasion of Masan Holi. Mythologically, Lord Shiva celebrates Holi with his devotees at Kashi Vishwanath temple after coming here with Goddess Parvati on the occasion of Rangbhari Ekadashi. Since Lord Shiva’s ethereal ‘ganas’ (followers) like ghosts do not get a chance to play colours on Rangbhari Ekadashi, the Lord himself comes to the cremation ground to play Holi of ash with them on the next day.One can find the mention of this local tradition in Skanda Purana

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#Varanasi   #Manikarnika   # Manikarnika Ghat   # Ghatsofvaranasi   # mythology   # ashes   # dead   # cremation   # pyres   # colors   #holi   # masaan