Holi's Unique Tradition: Gender Roles Reverse in Dramatic Celebrations
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Bageshwar's Unique Holi: Women Become Men, Men Become Women in Dramatic Celebration
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News18•03-03-2026, 09:45
Bageshwar's Unique Holi: Women Become Men, Men Become Women in Dramatic Celebration
•Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, especially Bageshwar, celebrates Holi with a unique blend of music, tradition, and dramatic performance.
•Known as 'Baithaki Holi' (classical songs) and 'Khadi Holi' (circle dance), the festival features a special dramatic tradition.
•Women dress as men (soldiers, old grandfathers) and men dress as women (ghagra-choli, dupatta, jewelry), known as 'Nakta' or 'Swang'.
•This folk-drama tradition uses humor and satire to convey social messages and symbolize equality and openness, allowing people to step out of boundaries.
•The 'Dramatic Holi' in Kumaon villages, with characters like soldiers, merchants, and priests, keeps folk culture alive and attracts visitors.
