Kapdafad Holi, an old tradition unseen and unheard anywhere celebrated in Prayagraj’s Loknath area as usual on the second day of the festival.

A day after the grand and vibrant celebrations of Holi, Sangam City came alive once again with its own unique and energetic tradition—Kapdafaad Holi. On Saturday, the city witnessed thousands of enthusiastic revellers immersing themselves in this distinctive celebration, which has been an integral part of Prayagraj’s cultural fabric for several decades.

Kapdafaad Holi, as the name suggests, literally means ‘Tear the Clothes Holi.’ This festival holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, much like the renowned Lathmaar Holi of Barsana village in Mathura, where participants playfully rain blows with sticks. However, in Prayagraj, the spirit of revelry takes a different form, involving tearing clothes and tossing them in the air, creating a unique and exhilarating atmosphere.

The heart of Kapdafaad Holi lies in the old localities of Prayagraj, particularly in areas like Loknath, Chowk, and Rani Mandi, where thousands of people gather to partake in the festivities. The celebration kicks off with revellers being drenched in coloured water, often sprayed from the upper floors of buildings lining the narrow streets. Within moments, the air is filled with the sound of laughter, music, and cheers as people engage in the playful ritual of tearing each other’s clothes and flinging them into the air. It is not uncommon to see pieces of torn clothing getting stuck on power lines, balconies, and even lampposts, adding to the spectacle.

As the festivities progress, the narrow streets of these old neighbourhoods transform into a lively dance floor, with revellers moving energetically to the beats of high-decibel Bollywood Holi songs. The mood is infectious, and the excitement is palpable as people let loose, immersing themselves completely in the celebratory spirit. By the end of the event, most men are left bare-chested, their shirts long gone in the revelry, while their faces and bodies remain smeared with a riot of colours.

Adding a fun and humorous element to the festival, some men arrive dressed in women’s attire, sporting colourful lehengas, salwar kameez, and vibrant wigs. Their playful antics entertain the crowd, while women and children watch the spectacle from the safety of their terraces. Some of them actively participate by tossing buckets of water or handfuls of coloured powder onto the revellers below, ensuring that no one escapes the festive fervour unscathed.

Despite the chaotic nature of the celebrations, the local administration ensures that the event remains under control. Policemen are deployed throughout the area to monitor the proceedings and prevent any untoward incidents. Interestingly, they often become silent spectators, enjoying the spectacle themselves while ensuring that the celebrations remain safe and do not take an unpleasant turn.

The tradition of Kapdafaad Holi has been upheld for generations and continues to be cherished by the residents, traders, and businessmen of Prayagraj. Unlike the mainstream Holi celebration, which takes place on the first day of the festival, Kapdafaad Holi is reserved for the following day. Many traders and businessmen, who find themselves exhausted after the main celebrations, look forward to this event as a way to unwind and revel in the festivities without any reservations.

For the people of Prayagraj, Holi is incomplete without Kapdafaad Holi. It is a festival that embodies uninhibited joy, camaraderie, and a deep sense of community bonding. Friends, neighbours, and even strangers come together in a mass celebration that is unparalleled anywhere else. The tradition is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and its unwavering spirit of festivity.

As the sun sets on this jubilant occasion, the streets return to normalcy, but the echoes of laughter, the remnants of coloured powder, and the memories created during the day linger on, reminding everyone that Kapdafaad Holi is more than just a festival—it is an emotion that binds the people of Prayagraj together in a joyous embrace year after year.