Haryana Village Hasn't Celebrated Holi for 300 Years Due to Ancient Curse

With just four days remaining until the vibrant festival of Holi, most of India is preparing for colorful celebrations and festive gatherings. However, in the small village of Duserpur in Haryana's Kaithal district, the atmosphere remains notably subdued—as it has for the past three centuries.

The residents of Duserpur haven't celebrated Holi for approximately 300 years, bound by fear of an ancient curse that continues to influence village life to this day. According to local belief, celebrating the festival could bring misfortune upon the entire community.

The story behind this unusual tradition dates back 300 years, when the village was preparing for Holi celebrations. Villagers had gathered dry wood, cow dung cakes, and other materials for the traditional Holika Dahan (bonfire). However, some young men from the village decided to light the ceremonial pyre before the designated auspicious time, despite objections from a sadhu named Baba Ramsnehee who was present at the scene. 

When the sadhu attempted to stop them, the youths mocked him and proceeded with the premature lighting of the Holika pyre. Baba Ramsnehee reportedly jumped into the burning pyre and, while engulfed in flames, cursed the village. He declared that from that day forward, Holi would not be celebrated in Duserpur, and anyone who dared to do so would face dire consequences. 

The sadhu did, however, provide a path to freedom from the curse. He stated that if a cow in the village gave birth to a calf on Holi day, or if a boy was born to any family in the village on the festival day, the curse would be lifted. Despite the passage of three centuries, villagers claim that neither of these conditions has been fulfilled—no cow has given birth on Holi day, nor has any family welcomed a baby boy on this festival throughout this extended period. 

"Our ancestors have passed down this story for generations, and we continue to respect the sadhu's words," said an elderly resident of the village. "No one here dares to play with colors or light the Holika pyre. We observe the day quietly and avoid any celebrations."

The villagers' belief in the curse remains strong, with many citing instances where attempted celebrations reportedly led to unfortunate events.