Politics, culture and commerce form heady mix for pre-Holi bashes
Times of India | 12 March 2025
123456 Kolkata: Kolkata's pre-Holi season is witnessing a blend of politics, culture, and commerce, with business bodies, politicians, and cultural groups hosting musicals, comedy shows, and dance performances. These events mirror the city's diverse traditions and evolving political and social landscape.
Holi has gradually transformed into a big stage where local leaders, businesses, and communities come together to subtly weave their political and social messages into the celebrations. For the first time ever, the KMC is organising a Dol/Holi celebration on Wednesday. "We have been told to bring people from across communities with a focus on members from the business community," said a councillor in central Kolkata. There will be cultural programmes alongside an address by CM Mamata Banerjee.
The party's student unit is organising Basant Utsav on the College Street campus of CU on Wednesday. "These political celebrations often feature local leaders distributing colours, sweets, and hosting gatherings, trying to project themselves as being in touch with the voters," said Swapnil Bhattacharya, a city-based sociologist. The Chamber of Textile Trade and Industry in Burrabazar is organising a Holi Milan and Hasya Kavi Sammelan on Wednesday at Kala Mandir. "This is an occasion for us to come together, have a few good laughs, and celebrate the festival," said Mahendra Jalan, president of the chamber.
The Holi Mahotsav organised by the Marwari Sanskriti Manch at Central Park on March 8 saw close to 6,000 people attending the event. "The idea behind it was to usher in the festival of colours in festive spirit," said Vikash Poddar, secretary of the Marwari Sanskriti Manch.
A cultural organisation held Basant Utsav at Maidan on Sunday, which attracted revellers, social media enthusiasts, and youngsters. Sangbedan, a social welfare organisation, organised a Holi get-together for visually impaired and specially abled kids at Sovabazar Rajbari on Saturday. Hamdard organised a special event for the underprivileged at Bangur on Sunday evening. "We gave environment-friendly abir, clothes, and sweets to kids," said Rajesh Sikharia, secretary of the NGO.
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