In the Malwa region, Holi is not merely a one-day festival of colours but a vibrant, multi-day celebration rooted in rich folk traditions. Duleti, also known as Rang Panchami, which follows Dhulendi, is observed with extraordinary enthusiasm. The highlight of this celebration is the iconic “Ger” procession, held across towns and villages of Malwa — a tradition that stands out for its scale, spirit, and cultural uniqueness.
Ger is essentially a grand folk rally where people from all walks of life participate, setting aside social distinctions. The rhythmic beats of drums and trumpets echo through the streets as clouds of gulal fill the air. Large tankers spray coloured water over cheering crowds, who dance, laugh, and sing traditional folk songs. In some places, showers of gulal create a mist of pink and red; in others, flowers rain down from rooftops, transforming the surroundings into a living canvas of colour and joy.
A distinctive feature of the Ger is the presence of participants dressed in humorous and imaginative costumes. Some portray mythological characters, others use creative attire to convey social messages, while many simply don quirky outfits to spread laughter. In this playful celebration, the line between spectator and participant disappears — everyone becomes an integral part of the festival.
Beyond the exuberance, the Ger of Malwa symbolises collective harmony and social unity. There are no barriers of caste, class, age, or status; people apply colour to one another in a gesture of warmth and belonging. The celebration reflects how folk festivals serve not just as entertainment, but as powerful cultural bonds that strengthen community ties.
Participating in the Ger during Duleti offers a rare sense of uninhibited joy — a moment free from the constraints of routine life. Faces smeared with colour, clothes soaked in bright hues, feet moving instinctively to the beat of the drum, and gulal swirling in the air create scenes that remain etched in memory long after the festival ends.
Undoubtedly, Malwa’s Duleti and Ger represent the spirited essence of Indian folk culture — where colours do not merely adorn the body, but touch the heart. The festival reminds us that shared happiness, spontaneous humour, and mutual affection are the truest colours of life.
(Writer of this article is Bhagyashree from Ratlam)