Colours, pichkaris in high demand as Ludhiana celebrates Holi today

Ludhiana, March 3

Red, yellow, green, purple are among a myriad of colours dominating the city markets ahead of Holi celebrations, scheduled for Wednesday.

Locals, brimming with enthusiasm, have finalised their plans to celebrate the festival with joy. While a majority of people are busy buying pichkaris, water balloons and colours to celebrate, and stencils to make rangolis, there a section of residents who believe that Holi should be celebrated in a neat and eco-friendly manner, using flowers instead of synthetic colours.

The markets are abuzz with activity as buyers, especially children, rush out to make some last-minute buys.

Many of the buyers, keen to avoid skin rashes and allergies, are opting for organic and herbal colours.

Sweet shops across the city have made elaborate arrangements to sell gujiya, a preferred Holi delicacy among the people.

Even the health-conscious residents admit that gujiya and jalebis are the main attractions of the festival.

Various temple management committees have organised special celebrations, with some planning to observe Holi in the traditional Barsana style, where the festival is celebrated using only flowers.

A significant number of migrants, hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have already left for home after getting a leave from the factories here.

“We have arranged for musical instruments and ‘bhang’ to celebrate the festival, just like we do it back home in UP,” said Pintu Kumar, a migrant from Hardoi.