Foreigners in Pushkar rip off each other's shirts to mark Holi

While everyone was celebrating Holi with gulal and coloured water, foreigners in Pushkar celebrated Holi by tearing off each others shirts without resorting to vulgarity.

Known as Kapda Phad (clothes tearing) Holi, is celebrated on Varah Ghat of Pushkar city of Rajasthan on March 12 and 13.

Exclusively for tourists, Kapda Phad Holi has become the main attraction in Pushkar over the last half a decade. Sam Huwe (29), a tourist from France told DH, "I came to India three years ago and attended the festival of colours at Varah Ghat in Pushkar. I found it very interesting. This time, I am visiting Pushkar again to celebrate with my friends."

Local priests and people make arrangements for the celebration. The special arrangements include separate blocks for men and women at Varah Chowk near a ghat of Pushkar Lake, where a DJ would play songs.

Locals and priests who live with their families say that such festivals help foreigners understand the importance of Holi and Indian traditions. Ghanshyam Purohit, a priest and one of the organisers at Pushkar told DH.

 “It's a peaceful kind of a show. We ensure that there is no vulgarity. Foreign tourists start playing with colours and later with water and dance to Indian music. Once the party kicks off, they start tearing each other's clothes."

According to the local tourist officer, around 4,000 tourists have already reached Pushkar to celebrate Holi with a difference. “This type of festival was started by Pushkar’s locals. Since foreigners from different countries and continents visit Pushkar, they are equally
keen to celebrate the festival of colours with a difference,” said tourist officer Ratan Lal Singh. 

Police are on alert to ensure there is no vulgarity and that the event is confined to foreigners.

Pushkar SHO Dulichand says no liquor or drugs are allowed and added that Ajmer district administration deploys police in plainclothes to maintain law and order.