This was how Guptaji, Mehra aunty, Bunty’s mom and Mehta uncle played Holi!
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This was how Guptaji, Mehra aunty, Bunty’s mom and Mehta uncle played Holi!

Dhol marked the start of the festivities at Indirapuram's Saya Zenith. One by one, everybody started to gather...

This was how Guptaji, Mehra aunty, Bunty’s mom and Mehta uncle played Holi!

The emergence of nuclear families, apartment culture, tight working schedules and the fading “meet-and-greet” culture in trans-Hindon area is supposedly making Holi, the festival of colours, lose its sheen. However, of late, various apartments and societies, such as Saya Zenith in Indirapuram, are attempting to revive the traditional fervour of this dying festival and add some positive vibe to it — something to appeal to the coming generations.

At Saya Zenith, Holi is a two-day festival, like it is to be traditionally.

Dhol marked the start of the festivities at around 7.30 pm. One by one, everybody started to come out — like in any normal neighbourhood. Kids, uncles, aunties, grannies — Guptaji, Mehra aunty, Bunty’s mom and Mehta uncle — all started to gather around the lifts. The scene was the same for all the blocks — everybody smiling, cracking a joke, chatting.  

They were all gathering for Holika Dahan, or the lighting of bonfire. More than 200 residents, including kids and guests, assembled near the central park area of the society. Residents greeted each other; gently smeared each other’s faces with fragrant Chandan (sandalwood) paste. After the prayers, the pyre was lit and people circled the holy fire. Those who weren't sure of what to do were guided by the senior residents.

 

Colours of togetherness

 

Volunteers set the mood right by dancing to the beats of the dhols. About after an hour, the celebrations came to an end. Goodbyes said, everybody promised to be at the same place by nine the next morning.  

It was the big day next morning, and the dhols were back! Loud rhythmic claps, whistles, and cheering from the kids told you that the festivities had begun and that you would miss the fun if you didn’t join fast.

Soon enough, residents poured in (pun intended) into the lush B block park. And everyone — known, unknown, new, old — is drawn into the hues of Holi.

Balaji Group, invited by some volunteers, performed Krishna Ras Leela towards the end. Here’s a dekko:

 

Professionals dressed as Gopis set the mood 

 

Residents enjoying the Raas Leela, the joyful dance of Krishna, Radha and the Gopis

 

The Krishna connection 

 

Krishna, Radha and the dance of passion 

 

No colour, just the flower petals for Krishna and Radha