In various parts of the country, especially in North India, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, as people immerse themselves in colours and splash vibrant hues on one another. The festival transcends barriers of caste, religion, class and gender, uniting people in joyous revelry. However, what if men were required to leave their homes while women celebrated Holi freely? This is precisely the tradition in Nagar village of Rajasthan’s Tonk district, where men are barred from being present on the day of Holi.

This is not a recent practice, but a 500-year-old tradition. As per custom, by 10 am on Holi, all males in the village, aged five and above, must leave their homes and head to the Chamunda Mata temple on the outskirts. They remain there for about five hours, giving the women full control of the village streets.

Once the men leave, women celebrate Holi uninhibitedly—throwing colours, dancing and enjoying the festivities without any restrictions. Not only are men forbidden from participating in the celebration, but they are also not allowed to witness it. In earlier times, those caught violating this tradition were punished with lashes. While corporal punishment is no longer practised, any man found in the village during Holi today risks being permanently banished, according to India Today.

The tradition is believed to have originated at a time when women had limited visibility in public spaces. Back then, they would hesitate to step out if men were present. To allow women to celebrate Holi freely, the men of the village voluntarily began leaving on the festival day, a practice that has continued for centuries.