Devotees and Naga Sadhus celebrated the tradition of playing Holi with funeral ashes amid burning pyres at the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi
Naga Sadhus danced with tridents and swords while one of them was seen performing a fierce 'Tandava' dance
Also known as Chita Bhasma Holi and Masan Holi, the event saw devotees and foreign tourists getting covered in ash and colours
The unique ritual was observed for about an hour from noon
Preparations for the festival began six months ago. Two to three sacks of ash were collected daily from the cremation ground
Thousands of people from across the world visit Kashi to witness and participate in this rare event
The celebration is rooted in the belief that on 'Rangbhari Ekadashi', Lord Shiva brings Goddess Parvati to Kashi after their celestial wedding
However, some religious scholars oppose the ritual, terming it against the scriptures