Masan Holi 2026: Aghoris to Play Holi with 50 Quintals of Ash in Varanasi

• Masan Holi 2026 preparations are underway in Varanasi, with 50 quintals of ash to be used at Mahashmashan Manikarnika Ghat.
• The ash is collected from funeral pyres at Mahashmashan Ghat, with over 40 sacks already gathered.
• Organizer Gulshan Kapoor explains that ash collection begins on Aghor Chaturdashi/Amavasya, sieved for six months.
• Aghoris, tantrics, and a large number of young men and women participate in this unique celebration.
• The event, believed to include Lord Shiva and his ganas, will be grander this year, with a similar celebration at Harishchandra Ghat a day earlier.