As the joyous festival of Holi is round the corner, people from all parts of India are preparing to kickstart the festivities and celebrations. But things are taking a different turn in Maharashtra.

　　In the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Holi is popularly called “Kokanatil Shimga.” It is a vibrant and culturally-rich festival celebrated in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, and parts of Goa, among other places.

　　While every place has a unique way of celebrating Shimga, the essence of the festival remains the same. It finds its roots in the agrarian traditions of the region. It derives its name from the Sanskrit term, Shishira Agni that refers to the rituals performed during the festival.

　　Starting from the Phalgun Poornima, the five to seven day festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season and announce the advent of spring. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, rejuvenation of life, and the strengthening of community bonds.

　　Why Is Shimga Celebrated?

　　Along with marking the advent of spring, the festival is also celebrated to express gratitude for the harvest, honour nature, and seek blessings for future prosperity. Villagers abandon past grievances and come together to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and gusto.

　　It also a celebration of the victory of good over evil. The Holika Dahan is one of the many rituals that are a part of Shimga celebrations. Legend revolves around Prahlad (a devotee of Hindu deity Vishnu), Hiranyakashipu (his demonic father), and Holika (Hiranyakashipu’s sister). Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill his son and took Holika’s (who was immune to fire) help to kill him. The tables turned and Prahlad was protected by Vishnu as Holika perished in the flames.

　　The legend is kept alive through the Holika Dahan ritual. It reminds people that righteousness outlives and triumphs evil.

　　How Is Shimga Celebrated Today?

　　Shimga lasts five to seven days with each day marked by unique customs and activities that involve a blend of rituals, folk traditions, and festivities that set it apart from the ways Holi is separated throughout the country.

　　Holika Dahan or Shimga Jatra

　　The ritual of Holika Dahan is called “Shimga Jatra” in the Konkan region. It is a community event where people gather to chant prayers, sing traditional songs, and circumambulate the bonfire as they offer food items like coconut and grains into the fire. These flames represent the burning of Holika and the death of evil.

　　Men and women of the village dress in colourful costumes to sing traditional Shimga geete or songs, and perform dances like Dashavtar Nrutya and Koli Nrutya around the bonfire. These performances depict mythological stories and events.

　　Rang Panchami

　　A play of colours, called Rang Panchami, takes place a few days after the Holika Dahan ritual. Organic and eco-friendly colours made from flowers and herbs are used by people. This ritual symbolises joy, social unity, and togetherness among the people of the region. The ritual is dedicated to Hindu deity Krishna who is believed to have enjoyed the festival with Radha (the Hindu deity of love) and his gopis. People also believe that deities descend on Earth to play with colours on Rang Panchami.

　　Palkhi Utsav

　　A unique ritual in Shimga celebrations is the Palkhi Utsav that involves carrying idols of deities from local temples around the villages in beautifully decorated and colourful palanquins (also called palkhis). Drumming, folk music, dhols, and energetic dances accompany these village palkhi yatras.

　　Folk Theatre

　　Theatre occupies an important position as a form of social and cultural commentary as a part of the Shimga celebrations. Tamasha, Dashavatar, and Powada are some forms of these theatrical performances. Each narrates stories from Hindu epics and legends. These are an important part of the region’s social and cultural fabric, too.

　　Community Gatherings

　　Shimga marks an important day when families and friends visit each other, enjoy traditional delicacies, sing songs, and dance. It is a time of great bonding and togetherness. Children help their parents clean and decorate their homes, make rangolis, and prepare small effigies for the bonfire.

　　Food occupies a central role in the Shimga celebrations. Konkani delicacies like Ukadiche Modak, Puran Poli, and Kharvas are prepared for the festivities and gatherings.