Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, holds a significant place in the hearts of Indians, transcending generations and evolving with time. As I reflect on today’s Holi celebration in our society, I am reminded of the changing hues of this age-old tradition over the years.
For the past six decades, from my childhood to my tenure in the military, and now into retirement, Holi has been an integral part of my life. However, the manner in which we celebrate this festival has transformed dramatically, particularly in the last couple of decades.
In the yesteryears, Holi was synonymous with chaos and rustiness as people indulged in smearing each other with wet colors, paints, and even mud. The aftermath of the festivities often lingered for weeks, with stubborn colors refusing to wash away, necessitating the use of oil, paint thinner, and various other remedies. Clothes worn during Holi were often deemed unsalvageable, as permanent stains refused to fade despite rigorous washing.
Even in the military, Holi was a grand affair characterized by officers and soldiers gathering in open spaces, dousing each other with colors, and reveling in song, dance, and camaraderie. However, the aftermath of the festivities meant days of trying to return to one’s original appearance as the remnants of vibrant dyes slowly faded away.
Today, however, the narrative has shifted towards a more environmentally conscious and hygienic celebration of Holi. The awareness of pollution and environmental degradation has spurred a transition towards using dry organic colors and flower petals instead of synthetic dyes. The chaotic scenes of the past have given way to a cleaner and more subdued celebration, where the emphasis is on joyous interactions rather than raucous revelry.
As I reminisce about past Holi celebrations with fellow retirees in our society’s clubhouse, anecdotes of bygone eras surface, such as the humorous tale narrated by my friend General Sangha about a memorable Holi celebration during his tenure in the Indian Army. The comical incident involved a general officer resorting to dyeing his beard jet black the next morning after Holi to conceal the remnants of colours since he had to chair an important conference, which left his subordinate officers wondering as to how he has become ten years younger overnight.
Indeed, we have come a long way from the era of multicolored beards and prolonged cleanup sessions. Today, Holi celebrations embody a spirit of inclusivity, eco-consciousness, and cleanliness, reflecting the evolving cultural landscape of modern India. As we embrace these changes, the essence of Holi as a festival of love, unity, and joy remains unwavering, transcending time and tradition.
Guchi.
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