Holi in India, March 1792
by shomow@instagram
March 1792
Oudh, India
Dear Anne,
When I write upon the subject of India, to answer your queries—well, in India there is never a straight answer to any question.
The other day I asked Fatema, our gardener’s daughter, if she knew who started Holi, and she quickly replied that it was Mahadev.
When I asked her grandfather around what time this Mr. Mahadev was born, he said he was born before Time itself.
I asked Brinda where Holi had originated, and she replied that it was right here, beside the Yamuna, as she filled her matki, humming Kafi.
The knowledge-seekers who questioned hollow rituals and make-belief concept of Gods, they played it too, explained the academic, Godbole.
Zohra sang of Khusrau, who would play it with his teacher Nizamuddin Auliya, and would spread the colours with their music. Sadiq, whose father worked as a khansama in Md. Shah Rangiley’s court, fondly recalled all the grand festivities that went on for days.
I never really got an answer though. And honestly, I think the question itself is rather silly.
And now suddenly Fatema put colours on me, and I on her, so yes, we played it too.