During Mughal rule, this is how Holi united Muslims and Hindus, was celebrated as ‘Eid-e-Gulabi’

There was a time in history during the Mughal rule in Northern India when Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated like Eid in the palace. Unlike popular misconception that Holi was celebrated only by Hindus, it had found favour from the Mughals too and Muslims celebrated it like their own.

In a report by Times of India, according to the former regional director of Archaeological Survey of India, and Padma Shri recipient KK Muhammed, Holi was celebrated like Eid at Agra Fort and Red Fort. “It was celebrated like 'Eid- e- Gulabi' or 'Aab-e-Pashi (shower of colourful flowers)’,”he said.

How Akbar the Mughal emperor and his successors celebrated Holi

He further cites Ain-i-Akbariin whichAbul Fazl wrote about Akbar, the Mughal emperor collecting beautiful water guns (pichkaris) of different sizes throughout the year and was greatly excited about the festival.

Muhammed told TOI, "This used to be one of the rare occasions when emperor Akbar would come out from his fort in Agra and play Holi with even the common people."

Then there is mention of emperor Jahangir’s love for Holi in Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri. The emperor mentions that he played Holi actively and organised gatherings that were known as 'Mehfil-e-Holi'. There are paintings of Jahangir playing Holi with his wife Noor Jahan by many artists like Govardhan and Rasik.

Last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, reportedly allowed his Hindu ministers to put gulal on his forehead during Holi each year.

Holi was celebrated in Agra Fort and Red Fort during Mughal rule

Historian Raj Kishore Raje, who is a writer of Tavarikh- A-Agra, a book based on the history of Agra, said, “Holi was celebrated in Agra Fort during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The practice was continued by their successors, excluding Aurangzeb Alamgir.

In addition to rulers, poets and saints of the time also spoke about Holi in length. In the 13th century, noted poet Amir Khusrau wrote many verses in celebration of the festival. 'Khelungi holi, Khaaja ghar aaye, dhan dhan bhaag hamare sajni, Khaaja aaye aangan mere' (I shall play Holi as Khaaja has come home, blessed is my fortune, o friend, as Khaaja has come to my courtyard) is one such verse.

Another iconic poet of the 18th century, Qayam, spoke about the festival in a lengthy poem, 'Chandpur ki Holi'.