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In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Indore doesn’t just celebrate Holi – it saves its grandest explosion for Rang Panchami, the fifth day after Holi. That’s when the iconic Gair (also called Ger or Fag Yatra) takes over the city in a 300-year-old Holkar royal tradition that has become one of India’s most spectacular cultural carnivals.
This is not ordinary color play. This is history marching through the streets with dhol-tasha thunder, color cannons blasting herbal gulal high into the sky, and lakhs of people dancing as one.
Rajwada Palace: The Royal Heartbeat of the Gair
At the centre of everything stands the majestic Rajwada Palace – Indore’s most famous landmark and the starting point of the royal procession since 1747. Built by Malhar Rao Holkar, this seven-storey architectural masterpiece beautifully fuses Maratha, Mughal and French styles. The lower floors are solid stone; the upper three were originally wooden (badly damaged in the 1984 fire and beautifully restored). In front of its grand gate stands the towering statue of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, surrounded by fountains and cascading waterfalls. Every Rang Panchami, the palace is lovingly wrapped in plastic sheets to protect its heritage while thousands gather around it for the grandest show in central India.
What is Gair? The Beautiful Meaning Behind the Madness
“Gair” is a Marathi word that literally means “stranger”. But on Rang Panchami, the message is powerful: there are no strangers here everyone is family, everyone is equal, everyone is drenched in the same colours.During the Holkar era, the Maharaja would step out of Rajwada with a 20-gun salute. Bullock carts loaded with herbal colours, fragrant waters and flowers would follow as the royal family played Holi with common citizens – deliberately breaking every social and class barrier. After independence, mill workers and local leaders revived the tradition around 1950. Today it belongs to the people and they have made it bigger and brighter than ever.
The Modern Gair Spectacle – Like Holi on Steroids!
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the streets of old Indore explode:
Hundreds of dhol-tasha players create non-stop rhythmic energy. Thousands of “Huriyare” (colour players) in traditional attire dance, perform folk moves and showcase akhara skills. Massive water tankers, tractors and colour cannons shoot jets of herbal gulal and scented water high into the air – soaking people on balconies and rooftops. The entire procession winds through the narrow lanes around Rajwada, turning the whole area into a sea of red, pink, yellow and green.
It’s rightly called a symbol of culture, unity and festivity. The Indore administration is even working to get this unique tradition included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Why Indore Loves Gair More Than Holi Itself
While Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, Rang Panchami and the Gair focus on spiritual cleansing and unbreakable community bonding. It is the day Indore proves that colours can erase every difference. This is why people come from across India and abroad. This is why the entire city waits for this one day with child-like excitement.
Don’t Miss It in 2026!
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Main Venue: Rajwada Palace & Old Indore Streets.