VARANASI, March 1 -- Despite the restrictions, Masan Holi was celebrated at the Mahashmashan Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on Saturday, as a large number of people managed to reach the ghat by evading the police and administration and joined the Holi revelry.

As per ritual, a special pooja of Baba Masannath, a form of Shiva, was performed before the celebrations began. Following which, people smeared ashes and abir-gulal on one another, seeking the blessings of Baba. Many devotees, dressed as Gana, the loyal attendants and companions of Shiva, participated in the festivities.

Saints, mahants, Aghoris, and commoners joined the celebration with distinct fervour. They were seen near the funeral pyres, chanting praises of Lord Shiva and offe...