28-March-2024-Editorial

ON HOLI, A LOOK AT JAIPUR’S TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS WITH ‘GULAAL GOTA’

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, the centuries-old tradition of celebrating Holi continues to thrive, featuring the unique practice of “Gulaal Gota,” a tradition steeped in history and cultural significance.

About Gulaal Gota:

• History: Gulaal Gota is a small ball made of lac, filled with dry gulaal (colored powder), with its origins dating back approximately 400 years.
• Raw Materials: The primary material, lac, is sourced from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Lac, a resinous substance secreted by certain insects, is used extensively in various applications, including lac bangles.
• Artisan Community: Gulaal Gotas are crafted by Muslim lac makers known as Manihaars in Jaipur. The tradition was passed down from Hindu lac makers in Bagru, near Jaipur.
• Manufacturing Process: Crafting Gulaal Gotas involves boiling lac in water to make it flexible, shaping it, adding colour, heating it, and then blowing it into a spherical shape with a blower called “phunkni.”

Historical Significance and Economic Aspects:

• Establishment: Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, dedicates a lane at the Tripoliya Bazaar to the Manihaar community, known as “Manihaaron ka Raasta.”
• Cultural Legacy: This lane serves as a hub for selling lac bangles, jewelry, and Gulaal Gotas, preserving the city’s artistic heritage. In the past, kings would toss Gulaal Gotas to the public during Holi festivities.
• Economic Impact: The demand for lac bangles has declined due to the rise of factories producing chemical-based bangles. However, the government has provided artisan cards to Gulaal Gota makers to access benefits from government schemes.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• Declining Demand: The demand for traditional lac bangles has diminished, posing a challenge to the artisans who specialize in Gulaal Gota production.
• Government Support: The government has issued artisan cards to Gulaal Gota makers, offering access to various benefits. Additionally, artisans are seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect their product from imitation.

Unique Holi Traditions Across India:

• Holla Mohalla in Punjab: Celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Holla Mohalla features martial arts demonstrations and Sikh cultural activities.
• Phaguwa in Bihar: Phaguwa marks the arrival of spring with colorful festivities, including folk songs and Holika Dahan.
• Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh: This tradition in Barsana and Nandgaon involves women playfully hitting men with sticks to symbolize the love between Radha and Krishna.
• Yaoshang in Manipur: Combining Hindu and Manipuri traditions, Yaoshang features dance and sports competitions.
• Ukuli in Kerala: Ukuli celebrations include music, dance, turmeric colors, and boat races, with praises of Lord Krishna.