‘Cheer bandhan’ marks formal beginning of Holi in Kumaon

Bageshwar: Holi celebrations in Kumaon region began Friday with the ceremonial tying of the ‘cheer' on Rang-Bhari Ekadashi, known locally as Cheer Bandhan. Unlike other regions where Holika Dahan starts the festival, Kumaon opens with music, devotion and community participation.Villagers decorate a branch of the Himalayan wild cherry tree or bamboo with colourful cloth strips, carrying it to every household—a practice believed to have roots in Braj region of Uttar Pradesh but evolved into a uniquely Kumaoni tradition. "Every household contributes cloth for the ‘cheer', reflecting community unity," said astrologer Ramesh Kandpal.With the tying of the ‘cheer', the festival of colours officially begins. Residents said the heart of Kumaon's Holi lies in its music and communal spirit. The initial songs are dedicated to Lord Ganapati, invoking prosperity and well-being for the village. Male holyar perform Baithaki and Khadi Holi, moving door-to-door to the beats of dholak, manjira and damau, creating vibrant musical clusters. "From Ekadashi onwards, moving from house to house with dhol and damau makes the village feel like one family," said holyar Sagar Singh. While Holika Dahan is central in many parts of India, Kumaon emphasises Cheer Bandhan, with the ‘cheer' symbolising Holika. Pieces of cloth tied to it are placed at doorways on Holi to ward off negative energies. Acharya Kailash Upadhyay of Bagnath Temple noted that the ritual likely dates back to the Chand kings, linking the festival to social harmony.Elders recall the now mostly faded Cheer Haran or playful "stealing" of the ‘cheer', once essential for Holi to proceed. "If a village's ‘cheer' was stolen, Holi would not be celebrated there until a new one was brought. This custom has mostly disappeared, replaced by a spirit of brotherhood," said Bhagwat Singh, 80, a retired teacher.