Colours, culture, camaraderie mark Holi in city on Sunday

The city soaked in the festival of colours on the occasion of Holi on Sunday. Parties, get-togethers and cultural evenings marked the day with revellers splashing colours and relishing Holi specialties like gujiyas, pakodas, bhaang and thandais.

The artistes of Vivekananda Kala Kendra presented dance ballets 'Prahlada Vijaya' and 'Holika Dahana', through which the festival's significance was explained to children at Anatha Shishu Nivasa, an orphanage on Bull Temple Road.

"After the dance, we joined students of Sri Krishna International College to celebrate Holi with the children by smearing gulal on each others’ faces," said secretary of Vivekananda Kala Kendra, Nagaraj V.

At Janapriya Bharat Enclave apartment complex, Magadi Road, residents lit the pyre after sunset signifying Holika Dahan. "Every year, we observe 'Holika Dahan' ritual as it is considered auspicious. The festival marks the beginning of spring and symbolises the victory of good over evil. We had cultural activities all through day," said Priyanka K, one of the residents. 

While many chose to use dry and organic powders, children and youngsters preferred water guns (pichkaris) and colour balloons.

On Avenue Road and Chickpet, with a sizeable Marwadi population, Holi will be celebrated on Monday. "Every year, traders come together to celebrate Holi in a big way. We distribute sweets, smear colours on each other and exchange greetings," said Ram Chand, a trader.