In a small village called Nagar in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, Holi takes a unique twist every year. For over 500 years, men mysteriously “disappear” by 10 AM, leaving the women to celebrate the festival of colours all by themselves.
This age-old tradition has caught everyone’s attention, blending devotion, fun, and a strict village rule that’s stood the test of time.
Holi, the festival of colours, is one of India’s most loved celebrations. Streets burst with gulal (coloured powder), water balloons fly through the air, and laughter echoes everywhere. But in Nagar village, things are a bit different. While the rest of the country enjoys Holi with family and friends, this village follows a custom that’s as fascinating as it is unusual. By 10 in the morning on Holi day, every man—young or old—leaves the village. They don’t just step out for a bit; they head straight to the Chamunda Mata temple on the village outskirts and stay there all day. Meanwhile, the women take over, turning Nagar into their playground of colour and joy.
This tradition, believed to be over five centuries old, isn’t just a random habit. It’s deeply tied to faith and respect. The men trek to the temple to offer prayers and join a fair held there. They spend their time singing bhajans (devotional songs) and soaking in the spiritual vibes. For them, Holi isn’t about throwing colours or dancing around—it’s a day of devotion. Back in the village, the women don’t hold back. Free from prying eyes, they smear each other with gulal, splash water, and celebrate with full energy. It’s their day to shine, and they make the most of it.
What makes this custom even more interesting is how strict it is. No man dares to break the rule. If any brave soul tries to stay back and join the women or even peek at their celebrations, he’s in big trouble. The women of Nagar don’t take kindly to rule-breakers. They’re quick to chase him out, sometimes with a stern warning or even a playful splash of colour to send him packing. It’s a light-hearted yet firm way of keeping the tradition alive. The men, knowing this, quietly follow the routine, respecting the women’s space and the village’s legacy.
The story behind this tradition is a bit of a mystery. Some say it started as a way to honour the goddess Chamunda Mata, who’s worshipped at the temple. Others believe it was a clever plan by the village elders long ago to give women a day of freedom in a time when they didn’t have much say. Whatever the reason, it’s worked for 500 years and counting. The men don’t feel left out either—they get their chance to play Holi the next day. Once the women’s celebration winds down, the village comes together again, and the men join in for a delayed but equally fun Holi of their own.
Nagar’s Holi has become a symbol of balance—faith for the men, freedom for the women. It’s not just a quirky tradition; it’s a lesson in unity and respect. While the men pray and sing at the temple, the women laugh and dance in the streets. Both groups honour their roles, keeping the village’s spirit alive. And the best part? No one complains. The men enjoy their temple fair, and the women love their exclusive Holi party. It’s a win-win that’s rare to find.
This unique celebration has started grabbing headlines, especially now in 2025, as people look for stories that stand out. On March 11, 2025, a news report by News18 brought Nagar’s Holi into the spotlight, calling it “500 Years & Counting: Men ‘Disappear’ On Holi By 10am, Women Enjoy Alone In This Rajasthan Village.” The article spread like wildfire, with people across India amazed by this hidden gem of a tradition. Social media buzzed with reactions—some called it a feminist twist to Holi, while others praised the village for sticking to its roots in a fast-changing world.
For the people of Nagar, though, it’s just another Holi. They don’t see it as anything extraordinary—it’s simply how things have always been. The older folks in the village, with their wrinkled smiles, say it’s a tradition passed down from their great-great-grandparents. “Our forefathers did it, and so do we,” says Ram Lal, a 70-year-old resident. “The goddess keeps us safe, and the women get their day. What’s wrong with that?” The younger generation agrees. Even the kids know the drill—boys head out with their dads, while girls stay back to join their moms in the colour fest.
Outsiders who visit Nagar during Holi are often left speechless. Tourists and curious travellers who’ve heard about this custom sometimes try to catch a glimpse, but they’re politely told to respect the rules. The women, dressed in bright sarees and covered in every shade of gulal, don’t shy away from having fun. They sing folk songs, share sweets like gujiya and malpua, and let loose in a way that’s rare in most places. It’s a sight to behold—a village alive with colour, but only half its people around.
The men, on the other hand, have their own kind of fun at the temple. The Chamunda Mata fair is no small affair. Stalls line the area, selling everything from bangles to spicy chaat. The air fills with the sound of drums and bhajans, and the men sit together, chatting and praying. “We don’t miss the colours,” says Mohan Singh, a 40-year-old farmer. “This is our Holi—peaceful and blessed.” By evening, they return home, greeted by the women who’ve already washed off the day’s fun. The next day, it’s their turn to play with colours, keeping the celebration alive for another round.
In a world where traditions often fade, Nagar’s Holi stands tall. It’s a reminder that India is a land of countless stories, each village hiding its own magic. This 500-year-old custom isn’t just about men leaving or women taking over—it’s about trust, respect, and a way of life that’s lasted through centuries. As Holi 2025 approaches, Nagar will once again see its men vanish by 10 AM, and its women will paint the village red, blue, and every colour in between. And for the rest of us, it’s a tale worth celebrating—a Holi like no other.
