Nahan must be defined or understood, says Janakavi of Sangod. Two words from the poetry of Suraj Mal Vijay, “Yo nhaan tamaso mat samjho, purkhan ri amar nisani chai,” should be heard and understood. This poem serves as Nahan Lokotsav’s unofficial rallying cry. Thus, another common misconception regarding baths is that they can only be perceived through sight and not through hearing.
However, Sangod town in Rajasthan’s Kota district celebrates the Nahan festival with great enthusiasm. Thus, this custom has been practiced for over 500 years. Even today, this custom is still practiced, and since it is so well known, foreigners from all over the nation go to Sangod to take part in the Nahan Lokotsav. Though, bathing is conducted in other Hadoti area towns, including Anta, Mirzapur, Moikalan, Bapavarkalan, etc., Sangod’s bath has become the most well-known.
In the celebration, the participants and observers celebrate for five days straight.
At this Holi festival, there is no color, gulal, or abir, which is observed as Nahan Lokotsav.
The town is split into two sections for Lokotsav. Nahan Akhara Chaudhary Pada is the name given to one side, and Nahan Khada Akhara Chaubey Pada to the other. Thus, Chaudhary Pada is organized for the initial two days of Lokotsav and Nhan Khada Paksha for the final two days. Twelve spears appear on the first day, and the king’s horse appears on the second. Farces are used on the trip to amuse passengers in a hilarious way.
It appears the ancient royal culture has come to life. As the emperor’s ride is brought out from both sides with the wealthy umrao on horseback, it still comes out with full pomp and display. Thus, the genuine Nahan Lokotsav starts on the day of Dooj, although preparations for Nahan begin 15 days before the burning of Holi on Amavasya, when both sides visit Sorsan and worship the Brahmin Mata.
