When Colours Run Riot!

When Duty takes over celebrations
Personnel in khaki celebrate very differently, as a large number of officials remain on duty on the day of the festival. While the society celebrates, the police officers are on the road. Thanks to their hard work, people can enjoy the fun and frolic of the festival.

Usually, police personnel celebrate Holi once they return home or before work. But there have been several instances when they have missed important festivals due to their duty. That’s a big sacrifice that the men in uniform always make. But it is also something which gives us strength and pride in ourselves and the entire police force.
— Anjani Kumar, Police Commissioner

One of India’s most vibrant and popular festivals, Holi or the festival of colours brings together friends and family in a time of fun, frolic and festivities. As the day starts, our otherwise drab routine is filled with music, nostalgic converstaion, gulaal and of course a platter of sweetmeats and festive delicacies.

The colour of team spirit
I  vividly remember the time when we played Holi as trainees in NPA, it really strengthened our bonds. Also, when working as District SP, the entire force would come together to play Holi. Such get-togethers strengthened our team spirit. But a person in uniform is generally not touched as a mark of respect for the uniform. —  Swati Lakra, IPS

Holi in Vrindavan

Vibha Jain
Lord Krishna, who was born in Mathura, had a special fascination for colours and so, Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur, with the chants of Radhe Radhe filling the air.

Lathmar Holi
This is played with sticks and powdered colours. The story goes that the men of Nandgaon went to Barsana, the home of Radha and the gopis where they smeared colours on the women, who in turn, picked up lathis and mockingly hit the men who shielded themselves. Set against the music of Krishna Leela, the mood in Barsana is one of fun, with all the women dressed in red and yellow for this mock fight revelry.

Phoolon Wali Holi
On the day of ekadasi, just before Holi, the Banke Bihari temple at Vrindavan witnesses a unique Holi where the priest of the temple showers the gathered devotees with flowers, a sight to behold!

Colours of freedom – Widows Holi
Since olden times, widows in India were a deprived lot, with many facing isolation. Social customs forced them to wear plain clothes and forbade them from playing Holi. However, widows of the Pagal Baba widow ashram broke this tradition and today, around 2000 widows play with colours to the tune of Radha Krishna songs.

Puja and gulaal tilaks for the armed forces
The Army also celebrates Holi with similar fervour and enthusiasm whenever they get an opportunity in peace locations. However, when deployed in operational areas, the celebrations are a little different. The soldiers get together in the unit mandir and perform puja, exchange gulaal tilaks and are back on the job, as the nation always comes first.— Col GB Rao

Builds camaraderie
I  fondly remember playing Holi with my neighbours when I was a kid in Hyderabad and with my friends while I was studying in Mumbai. Apart from the spirit of fun, I think it inculcated a lot of camaraderie amongst all of us. — Imran Mirza

Holi’s delicacies!
At Begum Bazaar, you can find malas made out of sugar candy already available in bright colours along with dried coconut malas.  There are some carts selling thandai and bhang on roads, nothing has changed.However, youngsters these days who play on the streets sometimes use abusive language thinking they can get away with it   —  Vinita Pittie