Why is Holi played with embers in these two states of India? Will bite the bullet after knowing the reason

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 3, 2026

Holi of embersAs soon as the name of Holi comes, a picture of colors and fun comes to the fore, but in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, the style of this festival is completely different and surprising. Here people play Holi with burning embers, which can give goosebumps to anyone. At first glance this tradition seems dangerous, but there is deep faith and age-old beliefs behind it. In such a situation, now you too must be wondering why this is done, so let us know the special reason behind it.

Where is Holi of embers played in Madhya Pradesh?

A unique form of Holi is seen in a village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Here people celebrate Holi by walking barefoot on burning embers instead of using traditional colours. After Holika Dahan, blazing embers are spread on the CC road of the village and everyone from children to the elderly walk on them with full enthusiasm.

Why is this tradition followed?

Madhya Pradesh Angar Ki Holi

Villagers believe that this tradition is performed to protect the village from disasters, keep diseases away and wish for happiness and prosperity. When it is burnt on embers after worshiping with rituals, people consider it a symbol of faith and belief. The surprising thing is that according to the villagers, despite walking on embers, their feet neither get blisters nor have any problem.

Where is Holi of Angars celebrated in Karnataka?

In Karnataka, this unique festival involving embers is celebrated at Agni Keli Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple located in Kateel village of Dakshina Kannada district. It is a major part of the nine-day long annual Jatra festival of the temple. During this time, a large number of devotees reach here from far and wide and express their faith in Maa Durga. This ritual involving fire is considered a symbol of devotion, tradition and courage.

How did this tradition start in Karnataka?

A wide-angle, cinematic shot set in front of a grand, illuminated South Indian-style temple at night. A row of men, dressed in traditional white dhotis and bare-chested, stand in a line. They are swinging bundles of burning embers on ropes, creating brilliant, glowing orange arcs of fire that streak through the dark air. — Karnataka Angar Holi

It is believed that the fire celebrated in Kateel started hundreds of years ago. In ancient times, when the area was threatened by wars, diseases and natural calamities, the village people prayed for protection from the Goddess of Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple. To please the Goddess and get relief from troubles, devotees performed Agni Puja and performed rituals by throwing dry burning coconut barks towards each other. It is said that after this this religious ritual gradually became a tradition.

Rules of playing Holi in Karnataka

Devotees participating in this unique ritual of Agni Keli first burn dry coconut shells. As soon as night falls, two groups stand face to face in the open ground in front of Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple and throw burning barks towards each other. This scene becomes very exciting with the sparks of fire flying all around and the cheers. This tradition, which lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes, is performed with complete religious rules and discipline, and a large number of people gather to watch it.