Muzaffarpur: The courtyard of Baba Garibnath Dham, often referred to as the “Deoghar of north Bihar”, was awash with petals and prayer on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, as devotees gathered to take part in a Vrindavan-style Phoolon Ki Holi. The celebrations marked the beginning of the Hindu new year and the onset of Chaitra Navratri.
The event was organised jointly by local groups Sanatan Sewarth Bihar and Ratri Seva Dal, who sought to recreate the floral festivities traditionally associated with Braj. From early morning, worshippers streamed into the temple complex, many carrying offerings of flowers and sweets.
Proceedings began under the supervision of the temple priest, Pandit Ashutosh Pathak, with a Shodashopachar ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. This was followed by a Panchamrit Abhishek, during which the deity was ceremonially bathed in milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar a ritual symbolising purification and devotion. The idol was later adorned with garlands of rose, marigold, jasmine and tuberose, and lightly dusted with fragrant abeer.
As chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed through the complex, devotees showered one another with flower petals in celebration. The air filled with fragrance as priests performed the aarti, after which kheer was distributed as prasad. Participants described the atmosphere as both festive and deeply spiritual, with many saying the event brought a glimpse of Vrindavan’s iconic Holi traditions to Muzaffarpur.
Organisers said the floral Holi was intended not only as a celebration but also as a way to promote devotional unity at the start of the new Hindu calendar year. For several hours, the temple precinct resembled a sea of colour and blossoms a moment of collective joy marking faith, renewal and community.
