Holi begins in Bhaktapur with the display of wooden phallus

BHAKTAPUR: A wooden phallus representing Lord Bhimsen has been displayed in front of the Dattatreya Temple in Tachapal, Bhaktapur.

The phallus, measuring nearly three feet, is part of a traditional cultural display that is taken as a precursor to the Fagu (Holi) festival in Kathmandu Valley.

Alongside the display of phallus, the Guthiyars (caretakers) of the Bhimsen Temple sing a playful, sexually suggestive song which translates into – Did Bhimsen’s phallus tempt you to come and see it without hesitation?

This display marks the beginning of the Fagu. From the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Falgun (March/April), the phallus is exhibited on the platform of the Bhimsen Temple in Dattatreya Square. The phallus is inserted through a hole in a red cloth, symbolizing sexual union. When the suspended phallus is moved, it enters the hole in the cloth shaped like a yoni (vagina), representing the sexual union of Bhimsen and Draupadi.

The locals regard the wooden phallus as Bhimsen’s penis and the red cloth as Draupadi’s vagina. According to cultural expert Harisharan Rajopadhyay, the phallus is displayed for seven days during the Fagu festival, a tradition that has been observed for centuries.

“In the past, only a wooden stump symbolizing the phallus was displayed. Later, it was brought out openly in this manner,” Rajopadhyay explained.

The Fagu festival celebrated during the arrival of spring, is regarded as a festival that inspires creation. This time is considered auspicious for human life, as Kamadeva (the god of love) becomes active during this season, symbolizing fertility and renewal.

Rajopadhyay further explained that the Chir erected in Basantapur, Kathmandu, during the festival symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti. “Bhimsen is considered one of the 11 incarnations of Lord Mahadev (Shiva). Therefore, this display can also be interpreted as a representation of Mahadev and Parvati,” he said. “In Kathmandu, colorful cloths are used to erect the Chir, which is more symbolic and discreet, while in Bhaktapur, the display is more open and explicit.”

Before the phallus is displayed, it is carried on the shoulders of two individuals and paraded around the Inacho, Bachutol, Jenla, Jagati, Brahmayani and Chyamasingh neighborhoods. Devotees flock to see the phallus until the full moon day of Fagu Purnima or the Holi festival.

On the evening of Fagu Purnima, the phallus is carried by an individual near the Brahmayani Temple where it is washed in the nearby stream and then returned to the temple, marking the conclusion of the Fagu festival.

The exact origin of this tradition is not clear. However, since the Bhimsen Temple was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla in the 17th century, it is estimated that this practice began around the same time.

(Translated from RSS)