Soaking in colours

FESTIVITIES

And there is no better way to celebrate the fecundity of life than doing it with bucket loads of coloured water.

 Holi is not merely an occasion of colours. It is also time to gorge upon sweets and savouries.

And in these days of heightened green consciousness, it is also about celebrating the festival of colours by using organic hues.

Metrolife spoke to a few people living in the City to understand what the festival means to them and how they celebrate it.

This is Harish and Harsha Mallesha’s first Holi. They got married a few months ago and now they say they can’t wait for the festival to come. Harsha says she plays Holi with her friends and cousins every year.

“Armed with water guns, we would usually go in a big gang to a friend’s place, drag them out and spray water colours on them. Song and dance are part and parcel of the festival. It’s two days of non-stop excitement,” says Harsha.

She informs that Dal Baati, is a speciality during holi wherein the roti is moulded into small balls and mixed with lots of ghee.

“It is then matched with a curry that’s spicy and hot,” adds Harsha.   

Binu, a corporate lawyer, observes that there was a time when Holi used to be played with colours made from natural ingredients, most of which had medicinal values.

 “I am not really game for playing with chemical dyes but nevertheless I really enjoy the festival. I love playing with colours minus the chemicals,” says Binu.

Jithu Bist, a young stylist recalls playing Holi with his friends and cousins as a child and more so during his teenage.

  “We would make sure we drenched one another in as many different colours as possible. It’s the only time of the year that we come together as family. Food and sweets are also an integral part of the festival. Even now I don’t miss a chance to play Holi,” says Jithu.

 And he is one of those who is also conscious about not getting his skin damaged.

 “I make sure I first apply a coat of moisturiser before I start playing. This prevents the colours from sticking to the skin and it’s easy to remove,” adds Jithu.

Umesh Gowda, a businessman says that he and a group of five friends get together, pool in some money and celebrate Holi.

“We usually come together and play Holi at Palace Grounds. It’s not just colours but we squash eggs, tomatos and watermelons too. That adds a lot of zing to the celebrations,” Umesh sums up.