Kanhaiya colour, Modi pichkari popular in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Call it Holi in politics or politics in Holi, but the political colour this year, has permeated the festive season completely.

If there is a “Kanhaiya” colour and “Priyanka” colour, there is also the Modi “pichkari” that is in great demand along with Owaisi and Kejriwal pichkari.

“The fastest selling items are Modi pichkari and the Kanhaiya colour which is strong and takes time to come off,” said a shopkeeper.

“The Priyanka colour has a herbal content and is safer,” says Gopinath, a wholesaler for festive items in the Yahyaganj locality, with a chuckle. With elections in Uttar Pradesh just a few months away, politicians are ruling over the market.

“Except for a few items, film stars will not be found on Holi memorabilia this time. Politicians are dominating the market and water guns named after Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati are also being sold. The only one who had not made a mark in the Holi market are Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” said Raju, a seller in Nishatganj market.

If the sellers are to be believed, the products reflect the qualities of the leader they are named after. “The Modi pichkari is the biggest and strongest and can withhold 1.5 litres of colour at a time. In fact, it is too heavy for children and is being purchased mostly by adults. The starting range of this pichkari is '450 while others are available for prices that range between '150 and '300”, said Gopinath.

According to sources, a number of political leaders are buying up colours and pichkaris for use in the assembly elections. “We are receiving bulk orders for colours which have become mandatory for celebrations,” said Gopinath.