Holi 2026 Special: How did ‘Mutton-Chicken’ enter among the colours? Those pages of history that no one knows

Holi 2026 Special: Why is non-veg eaten on Holi Padwa? Consuming non-vegetarian food on the next day (Pratipada/Padwa) of Holi is an ancient ‘deshchar’ (regional tradition) in Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Its main basis is ‘Phalgun Aher’ (hunting tradition), Shakta Mat (sacrificial law) and medieval Nawabi-Kayastha culture. Although the texts of Sanatan Dharma emphasize on virtuousness, historical and geographical evidence gives social recognition to this ‘festival feast’.

Almanac and Date Science: Why ‘Padwa’ became the choice?

It is important to understand what is the scientific importance of dates. Holi ends on Phalgun Purnima, and Pratipada of Chaitra Krishna Paksha begins the very next day. Pratipada date is till 16:51 pm on March 4, 2026. This day is under the influence of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, which is considered the constellation of joy, work and celebration in astrology.

Pratipada is considered the beginning of a new fortnight. In folk traditions, there has been a tradition of celebrating any new beginning with ‘Mahaprasad’ or a heavy meal, which over time took the form of non-vegetarian food.

Historical Evidence: ‘Phalgun Aher’ (The Royal Hunt)

The most reliable evidence of this tradition in the pages of history is found in the military culture of Rajputana. It was called ‘Phalgun Aher’. The Kshatriya clans of medieval India had a tradition of going on a collective hunt at the end of Holi. It was believed that the first hunt of the year brought ‘good omen’ for upcoming wars and agriculture.

Famous historian Colonel James Tod has mentioned in his classic book ‘Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan’ that the Rana of Mewar and other Rajput rulers used to hunt wild animals after Holi.

After hunting, the meat was cooked inside the ‘garh’ (fort) and distributed among the warriors. Today hunting is banned, but cooking goat or chicken meat at home has become a cultural remnant in memory of that ‘victory symbol’ meal.

Awadh’s ‘Ganga-Jamuni culture’ and contribution of Kayasthas

In North India, especially Awadh (Lucknow) and Allahabad belt, eating non-veg on Padwa is called ‘Khaua’ or ‘Baasi Holi’. It developed from the court culture of the medieval period.

The Kayastha community was at the forefront of administrative services during the Mughal and Nawabi rule. They developed a common culture along with the Nawabs, where after the ‘huddang’ of Holi, huge feasts were organized on the day of Padwa.

Historians of Awadh say that to remove the tiredness of colors and to increase social interaction, mutton curry and kebabs became the main dishes of this day. Even in vegetarian families, the tradition of cooking ‘jackfruit’ as ‘veg meat’ on this day is part of this influence.

Shakta tradition and Tantric basis: transformation of ‘Bali’

Its different form is seen in Eastern India (Bengal, Assam, Bihar). On Holi’Holika DahanThat is, it is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. According to Shakta Tradition, the celebration of any such major victory was considered incomplete without ‘sacrifice’. In ancient times, sacrifices were made in Goddess temples, the meat of which was distributed among the devotees in the form of ‘Mahaprasad’.

Seasonal change and health: A ‘desi’ scientific approach

The time of Holi is the ‘transition phase’ of departure of winter and arrival of summer. During this period, changes occur in the digestive fire of the body. Due to getting drenched in colors and water on the day of Holi, there is excessive loss of body energy. Local people believe that meat cooked with hot spices (pepper, cloves, cinnamon) provides instant ‘heat’ and ‘protein’ to the body.

Since the next day of Holi is a holiday from farming or business, the day of ‘Padwa’ was considered most suitable for cooking and eating meat together with the community.

There is no mention of meat on festivals in the Vedic literature of Sanatan Dharma (Vedas, Upanishads). This is completely an ‘ethos’. The beauty of Indian culture is that here ‘Scriptures’ and ‘Folklore’ go together. Eating non-vegetarian on Padwa is a ‘cultural choice’, not a ‘religious compulsion’.

a unique cultural heritage

The tradition of eating non-veg on Holi Padwa is a reflection of India’s ‘unity in diversity’, where the bravery of Rajputs, the taste of Nawabs and the collectivity of farmers come together in one plate. The Pratipada Tithi of March 4, 2026 reminds us that our festivals are not just calendar dates, but living manifestations of centuries-old historical memories.

Also read- March 2026 Grah Gochar: Changes of Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus in March, effect of Panchgrahi Yoga on 12 zodiac signs.

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