An explosion of colours

Glorious Holi

The festival of coloured water balloons and ‘pichkari’ is here and Bengalureans are looking forward to have a blast on ‘Holi’ in their own way. 

Anshika, a homemaker, says that the tradition of ‘Holi’ includes a ‘puja’ done around twigs, which are later burnt. “The ensuing day is a lot of fun with people running around, trying to smear colours on each other. There is also an unlimited supply of sweets like ‘besan ka ladoo’ and ‘gujiya’, which mother and aunts make at home,” she says. She adds that she will be preparing the same for her family.

Other traditional delights include ‘dahi bhala’ and ‘dal ka halwa’, says Anu Agarwal, a software professional, basically from Jaipur. She adds, “In Rajasthan, it is a holiday for most. It is about inviting colours to one’s life.” ‘Sherbat’ and ‘thandai’ are also made apart from the traditional ‘puri aloo sabji’. “There would also be hot ‘pakoras’ waiting for us, after we have had our share of ‘gulal’,” recollects Anu.

Deepa Chandrasekhar, an HR Manager with a bank, who is not familiar with the traditions is also looking forward to the day. “I don’t know much about the day, but since our office celebrated it with colours and snacks last year, I’m looking forward to it this year too. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together,” she says.

She adds that ‘Holi’ to her means a lot of fun. It’s about letting go of inhibitions. Other youngsters like Chandini, who haven’t celebrated ‘Holi’ ever, are looking forward to celebrating it at an event. “I’m just looking forward to unwind and learn more about it,” she says.

Muneer Ahmed, a student with CREO Valley, says he has always celebrated the festival with family and friends. “‘Holi’ to me signifies adding positivity to one’s life. This year, I won’t be able to celebrate it with family, but I’m looking forward to a bash with friends and enjoy some ‘bhang’,” he says.

For others, the day involves a lot of dancing and music. “Last year we had a great party. There was a rain dance and we splashed colours on each other,” says Arpit Samani from The Oxford College of Science. There are also those who are conscious about what they use. “We prefer playing with organic colours since they come off faster. They don’t leave a burning sensation,” says Karthik Sethi.

Kavitha Shah says that in the North, the festival is forced on many who don’t celebrate. “That is what I love about Bengaluru. People can celebrate their own festival and be content. We have a party planned for the weekend. But if someone at the party, tells me not to dab them with colour, I won’t,” she says. She adds that the festival is about bringing colour and vibrancy into one’s life and it has to be received well.