My Article for KolkataMirror.com (ToI website)

Together with Diwali, Holi (Rang Panchami) is probably the most awaited festival of the Hindu calendar. There is a particular elan in the way Holi is celebrated in West Bengal. Panache is added by the presence of the rich Bengal culture and the existence of Shantiniketan.

The tradition of Basant Utsav was reintroduced by poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan, where boys and girls joyfully welcome Spring, not just with colours but with songs, dance and hymns.

Holika dahan or the lighting of bonfire takes place on the eve of holi. It is an extremely popular tradition and is celebrated with fervour. Mita Bhaduri, a 76-year-old lady and resident of Behala Thakurpukur, recounts the tradition, “A log of wood is kept in a prominent public place on Vasant Panchami, almost 40 days before the festival. People add twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees left through the winter besides any other combustible material they can spare, on to that log which gradually grows into a sizable heap.”

“On the day of Holika Dahan an effigy of Holika with child Prahlad in her lap is kept on the logs. Usually, Holika's effigy is made of combustible materials, whereas, Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible one. On the night of Phalguna Purnima, it is set alight to ward off all evil spirits. Next morning the ashes are collected as prasad and smeared on the limbs of the body. If spared by the fire, coconuts are also collected and eaten,” she adds.

The day after Holika Dahan, play with colours actually takes place. As far as enjoyment is concerned, the very objective of this festival is to have fun. With colours galore, the children have a lot to celebrate and a lot to buy!

Rabindranath Kayal says, “Even four years ago we sold more water-guns or pichkiris; but now guns, even cannon like structuresg seem to be a big hit with kids. I have ordered more this year as I have received requests from many kids who come to my shop!”

“When we were kids it only used to be abeers and I feel that is how it should be as it is much more hazard less. Today even water balloons are giving way to readymade ones that need not be filled up!” he exclaims. Holi brings with it fresh reasons to celebrate and leaves the dwellers of Kolkata, truly nostalgic in every sense.