There may not be any paani in the pichkaris this Holi, as Bangalore goes on a 'save water' drive. We talk to Holi fans and party lovers who are supporting the cause either by not hosting any soirees or just keeping it dry.
There may not be any paani in the pichkaris this Holi, as the city goes on a ‘save water’ drive. Shilpa Bansal talks to Bangalore’s Holi fans and party lovers who are supporting the cause either by not hosting any soirees or just keeping it dry
Viren Khanna, event organiser
We always try to be eco-friendly as possible. This time we are sourcing organic colours from an NGO and are avoiding wasting water. I have always recommended a dry Holi in Bangalore. This time, we are keeping just one big tub of water on the side people can jump into, if they want, and use the same water to wet the colours. But that’s it.
Pavithra Halkatti entrepreneur
Though it’s my first Holi after the wedding, we have decided not to do anything. We have been getting a lot of invites which say that there will be ‘no water wastage’ and they’re using ‘only organic colours’. But we still want to avoid the parties because one, I don’t enjoy playing with colours and two, this is our way to support the save water campaign.
Jasmeet, DJ
I’ve grown up playing Holi the way it used to be — lots of colour, water and hungama. We used to be part of parties where Holi would be celebrated in full swing. But over the years, things have changed. And it’s not just me, people’s perceptions have changed drastically too. It’s more about socialising; getting together in one place and celebrating. So, obviously, a lot less water is wasted. Most of us are emphasising on celebrating dry Holi or using recycled rainwater if necessary. In fact, today even children are aware of their social responsibilities. People may not completely avoid using water, but they can keep it to a bare minimum. Holi is part of our culture but we need to celebrate it sensibly and with responsibility.
Sheetal Sharma, fashion choreographer
I remember how as kids, we loved the festival and would wait for the day. But over the years, things like water balloons, chemical colours, and unnecessary wastage of water, has left a horrible taste in my mouth. I have stopped hosting Holi get-togethers for years now. At least this way, I’m doing my bit towards the environment. But there are people who have been celebrating it by using herbal colours and not wasting buckets of water. I think it is important that everyone values the need for water and think of those who don’t have it. Water is precious, why waste it this way?
Ramesh Dembla, designer
I used to host grand Holi parties, but for the last two years, I have been keeping it pretty low. Even this year, I just plan to host a nice brunch and chill out with friends. No harsh colours, no wasting water. I plan to celebrate dry Holi — just some teeka with plain gulal. I have realised that this is the best way to bring in Holi. In fact, when I was in Mumbai I saw a few invites — all promoting dry Holi and I thought it was a very good idea and we should all practise it. Saving water is indeed the need of the hour.
Arry Dabas, model
I come from a family where everyone loves to play with colours during Holi. But for the last five years, we have been playing sookhi Holi. Relatives and cousins come home, we welcome them with gulal and put the teeka on each other’s foreheads and enjoy all the delicacies like ghujiya and thandai. By doing this, we do our bit towards saving water. Even this year, it’s going to be the same. I strongly condemn people who waste water and don’t understand the value of it.
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