Nainital: Holi in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is unlike anywhere else in India. While colours and gulal are part of the celebration, the festival here is equally about music, theatre, and social messages.

The highlight is the tradition of Swaang, a folk performance where women disguise themselves in costumes and act out humorous plays that carry deep meaning.

Classical ragas and Baithaki Holi

About fifteen days before Holi, Kumaon’s homes, courtyards, and temples come alive with Baithaki Holi. People gather to sing classical ragas such as Raga Bahar, Kaafi, and Jangla. The harmonium, dholak, and cymbals set the rhythm, creating a spiritual yet festive atmosphere. These musical sessions are not just entertainment but a way of preserving Kumaon’s cultural heritage.

Women’s Swaang performances

During this period, women begin preparing for their Swaang acts. They impersonate Englishmen, priests, businessmen, or even mythological characters. The performances are filled with laughter, banter, and satire. Yet behind the humour lies a powerful social commentary. Through Swaang, women highlight issues like dowry, alcoholism, inequality, and more recently, campaigns such as Beti Bachao, environmental protection, and education.

Suneeta Pandey, a performer from Nainital Lake City Club, explains: “Swaang is an integral part of women’s Holi. Holi feels incomplete without it. Along with ragas, Swaang gives us joy and a chance to express ourselves.”

Social dialogue through humour

One another Holiyaar, says: “Swaang is not just entertainment, it is social dialogue. Sometimes we act as foreign tourists, sometimes as British officers, and sometimes we perform plays on social issues. People laugh, but they also think.”

This blend of humour and awareness makes Kumaoni Holi unique. Unlike other regions where colours dominate, here the festival becomes a stage for community reflection.

Generational connection

For 60-year-old Hira Nayal, Holi is a lifelong passion. “I wait for Holi all year. Seeing people happy through Swaang is my greatest joy. This tradition connects generations and strengthens the sense of belonging in the village,” she says.

Her words reflect how Swaang is more than performance—it is a cultural bond that keeps communities united.

A festival of culture and awareness

Kumaoni Holi is not just about colours; it is about music, acting, and social consciousness. The ragas preserve classical traditions, while Swaang provides a platform for women to express themselves and challenge social evils. Together, they create a festival that is vibrant, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community life.

As curiosity about local traditions grows, Kumaoni Holi is attracting attention much like Mathura and Vrindavan. Visitors are drawn not only to the colours but also to the unique cultural expressions that make this festival special.