Jaipur Royals Lead Traditional Holika Dahan at City Palace

Jaipur, March 3, 2026 – As the Pink City welcomed the eve of Holi, the historic City Palace once again became the epicentre of a time-honoured ritual: Holika Dahan. His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh led the ceremonial lighting of the sacred bonfire, reviving a tradition that has endured for centuries within the palace walls and connected the royal household with the people of Jaipur.

The royal family shared a captivating video on Instagram (@theroyalfamilyofjaipur), offering a glimpse into the evening's proceedings. In the clip, Maharaja Padmanabh Singh—also known as @pachojaipur—performs the key act of igniting the pyre at the auspicious hour, surrounded by Vedic chants from attending priests. The footage captures the spiritual atmosphere in one of the palace's medieval courtyards, with the flames rising against the backdrop of ornate architecture that blends Rajput and Mughal influences. Following the lighting, locals gathered to collect embers from the same royal pyre—a longstanding custom symbolising shared blessings and community unity.

The City Palace, constructed in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II shortly after he founded Jaipur in 1727, remains both a living residence for the royal family and a public museum. Its grand courtyards, intricately carved gateways, and opulent halls have hosted generations of such observances, ensuring that festivals like Holika Dahan are not mere historical reenactments but active expressions of cultural continuity.

According to accounts from the ceremony (held late on March 2 into the early hours of March 3), the pyre was adorned with religious offerings and symbolic items representing negativity and obstacles to be burnt away. Priests recited mantras, infusing the event with reverence, while members of the extended royal family, including prominent figures from the former Jaipur regime, participated to honour generational legacy. Devotees offered prayers amid the growing flames, seeking protection, prosperity, and well-being in the year ahead.

The ritual holds deep significance in Hindu tradition, commemorating the triumph of good over evil through the story of Prahlad and Holika. In Jaipur's royal context, it reinforces the enduring bond between the erstwhile ruling family and the city's residents. As one observer noted in coverage of the event, the palace's role extends beyond heritage preservation—it serves as a vibrant hub where ancient practices remain relevant in modern times.

News agency footage and reports from the night showed large crowds of locals, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts in attendance, drawn by the unique spectacle of royalty upholding public tradition. Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, in brief remarks captured during the event, extended Holi greetings and highlighted the distinct way Jaipur and the City Palace celebrate festivals, maintaining a strong connection to culture and customs.

The ceremony concluded as the bonfire blazed brightly under the night sky, its glow illuminating the palace's historic facades. In an era of rapid change, such observances at City Palace stand as powerful reminders of continuity, faith, and shared heritage. For Jaipur, Holika Dahan is more than a festival prelude—it is a living link to the past, reaffirmed each year in the heart of the Pink City. As Holi approaches, the royal-led ritual sets a poignant tone for celebrations across Rajasthan's capital.