How far can Holi celebrations go? Well, in Kolkata there’s a Holi celebration involving not just people, but also a Rolls Royce car! Yes, you heard it right!
This Rolls Royce Holi is famous all over Kolkata as a quirky yet grand celebration. Also, did we mention that this Rolls Royce was once owned by the author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling?
With such an interesting story, it is hard to resist the allure of Rolls Royce Holi.
Keep reading to know more!
A Unique Holi Celebration In Kolkata: Rolls Royce Holi
The atmosphere of Barabazaar transforms into a vibrant, happening one. Carelessly loud yet pretty enjoyable processions fill up the streets and if there’s one thing that stands out during these processions, it has to be the Rolls Royce!
The car is a standout in the Barabazaar Holi celebrations.
In Kolkata, it’s not just the people that get drenched, but also cars!
On the day of Holi, the car is decked up in flowers and other colorful decorations. It serves as a chariot, where the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a majestic throne.
The idols are taken in a grand procession filled with devotional music, dance, and chanting. People revel in the devotional atmosphere and apply colors to each other.
The car is currently owned by an influential family, the Baglas. The head of the family, Kumar Ganga Dhar Bagla bought the car from the world-renowned author Rudyard Kipling.
He owned the car for six years before selling it to Mr. Bagla.
The Bagla family has been an influential family that owned many estates in Calcutta, including a Satyanarayan Temple where the idols of Krishna and Radha have been placed.
The Interesting Legacy Of This Rolls Royce Car
The Rolls Royce car owned by the Baglas has a history that is as vibrant and interesting as the festival of colors itself. This car is a rare Rolls Royce variant with the chassis number #6UE.
During Holi, the car transforms into a moving temple, decked up with flowers, lights, and decorations, and carries the temple idols of Radha-Krishna.
This Rolls Royce rolls out on the streets twice a year – during Janmashtami and during Holi. During these celebrations, the car is a major attraction and people specially flock to catch a glimpse of the idols and the car.
In fact, you’ll see many women holding aarti thalis (plates used in rituals and worship), eagerly waiting for the car to roll out on the street.
In 1968, the car took part in the first Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally. The car, once a symbol of nobility and luxury, is now also a symbol of devotion and hope for thousands of people.
Other Types Of Holi In India
You’d be surprised to know that almost each distinct region in India celebrates Holi in its own way. In the Brij region, you’ll find the Barsana Lathmar Holi played with sticks, the Phoolon Wali Holi in Vrindavan played with flowers, and the Masaan Holi of Varanasi played with ashes.
These different Holi rituals have been a part of India’s festive culture for centuries. This only highlights the rich and interesting lores associated with their celebrations that still attract a large number of tourists and locals.
Summing Up
West Bengal – the land of the Dol Utsav and the Basanta Utsav, also celebrates another kind of Holi in the form of Rolls Royce Holi.
This unique celebration is where a centuries-old decked up Rolls Royce rolls out on Kolkata’s streets as a moving temple.
This might seem like a fancy gimmick for you, but for many Bengalis, the Rolls Royce Holi celebration is a devotional experience like no other!
