From temples to restaurants, city prepares for Holi festivities
With Holi, the festival of colours, falling on March 14, markets are already bustling with vibrant hues, pichkaris, water balloons, and rangoli colours. While some health-conscious individuals prefer to celebrate with flowers or skip playing with colors altogether, for others the festival remains one of the most significant festivals of the year in this industrial city.
Markets are packed with an array of attractive colours, with many shopkeepers labelling them as “organic.” However, there is no regulatory mechanism to verify these claims, leaving buyers uncertain about their authenticity.
Dr Alka Dogra, former Head, Dermatology Department, DMCH, from Skin Solutions Clinic, warned that many colours can cause skin allergies, particularly on sensitive areas like the face, mouth, and eyelids, with sun exposure worsening the condition. “If the colours are truly organic, they should not cause any harm,” she added.
Despite health concerns, many revelers remain unbothered. “A few rashes are not a big deal; they fade away with time,” said Karan, a 24-year-old Holi enthusiast.
For the city’s migrant population, the festivities have overshadowed the fears. “Holi is a special occasion for us. It’s a holiday in the factories, and we will celebrate with colours, bhang prasad, and dance to our favourite music,” said Santosh Kumar, a tailor at a garment factory in Focal Point.
Meanwhile, many restaurants have also organsed various events to celebrate the occasion for which tickets/passes are kept for stag entry and couple entry. Many temple managements have announced to play “lath-mar” holi with flowers.
