Bihar’s Mud Holi: A rooted, rustic, rural revelry

In the culturally rich landscape of Bihar, Holi is more than just a festival of colours. Here, it is celebrated with, literally, an earthy twist. A unique tradition, locally called Dhurkheli or Kaado-Mitti (Mud Holi), stands testament to the region’s deep connection to nature and its ancient healing practices.

Mud Holi, observed particularly in rural parts of Bihar and also some neighbouring states, involves playful smearing and throwing mud at each other. The ritual not only embraces the joy of the festival but also the therapeutic properties of mud.

This traditional practice, though rooted in the soil of Bihar, offers valuable insights into the growing trend of urban mud therapy, a holistic treatment gaining traction in wellness and beauty industries.

The tradition of Mud Holi

The practice of joyfully splashing and smearing mud during Holi is deeply tied to the agrarian culture of Bihar, where the relationship with the land is seen as sacred and vital for survival. In the rural context, mud represents fertility, abundance, and vitality–virtues deeply cherished during the harvest season, which happens to coincide with the festival of Holi.

Mud Holi is an integral part of Bihar’s cultural identity. People can be seen playing Holi with mud in almost every village.

Deepak Kumar, a resident of Dholi village in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, explains the preparation for Mud Holi. He states, ”Usually a day before Holi, a pit is dug in a suitable spot and filled with water to soften the soil. The pit is refilled with water the next day and then the fun begins. All the boys in the village gather to play Holi in the muddied pit.” 

He further adds, “Mud Holi is an integral part of Bihar’s cultural identity. People can be seen playing Holi with mud in almost every village.” 

This ritual is also about connecting with the elements. Participants often cover themselves in thick layers of mud, enjoying the tactile and refreshing sensation it brings. It is often accompanied by traditional songs, dances, and feasts such as Malpua, Dahi Vadas and August Phool Pakora. While it may appear to be just a playful activity, Mud Holi has profound symbolic and physical significance.

Also read: Traditional Holi snacks from the heartland

Fagua songs: Medicine for the soul

Any festival in Bihar is incomplete without traditional folk songs. They resonate through the villages during the celebrations. After playing Mud Holi, young people, along with the elders, sing Fagua geet (songs) together, accompanied by the jhaal and dholak (musical instruments). Their loud voices create a thrilling rhythm that delights the ears, while the vibrations soothe the mind and bring immense joy.

One of the Fagua songs goes:

“Bangla mein udela abir ho, Babu…

Aahe Babu Kunwar Singh tegwa bahadur, Bangla mein udela abir…”

This folk song celebrates the love for Holi exhibited by Kunwar Singh, a zamindar (landowner) from the Bhojpur region of Bihar, who was a prominent leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Healing powers of mud

Mud has long been celebrated for its therapeutic benefits. In Bihar, the connection between the people and the soil extends beyond agriculture. The soil is seen as a natural medium for healing. The ability of mud, to extract toxins, provide nourishment, and cool down the body, is well-known. Applying mud to the skin can soothe and refresh, offering a rejuvenating effect, especially when combined with the physical exertion of playing and dancing during the Holi festivities.

Mud is also believed to possess emotional healing properties. In the context of Mud Holi, the act of applying mud serves as a symbolic gesture of purification–washing away old emotional wounds, past burdens, and bringing about a sense of renewal.

“The best thing about our village’s Mud Holi is that we all vibe together. Playing this kind of Holi fills us with joy and happiness,” says Hemant Kumar, a 22-year-old from Pogar village in Bihar’s Aurangabad district. “After playing Mud Holi I, along with my friends, head to the village river or canal to bathe. I just love that part. It truly rejuvenates our souls,” adds Kumar, a student of humanities at Magadh University. 

Resonance with urban mud therapy

In recent years, urban wellness practices have taken a liking to what rural Bihar has long known: the therapeutic power of mud. Mud therapy, also known as pelotherapy, is gaining popularity in spas and wellness centres across the world. This holistic approach involves the use of mud or clay for therapeutic purposes, targeting both physical and mental health.

Just as in Mud Holi, urban mud therapy taps into the inherent healing properties of mud, offering benefits like improved skin health, detoxification, stress reduction, and enhanced circulation.

This unique cultural tradition of Mud Holi in Bihar beautifully intertwines heritage with holistic well-being. It is a practice that nurtures both body and soul.

Also read: 10 unique ways India celebrates Holi

The lead image on top shows people in Dholi village smeared in mud after playing Mud Holi. (Photo courtesy: Deepak Kumar)

Vishal Kumar is an Administrative Officer at Village Square. He is passionate about exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.