Hsg complexes gear up to soak in colours of harmony
Times of India | 14 March 2025
12 Kolkata: Some are organising DJ parties and rain dances while others are celebrating in more traditional ways with prabhat pheri and Basanta Utsav, using herbal abir and offering complimentary food. Housing societies across Kolkata are ready to soak in the vibrant colours and festive cheer for Holi and Dol.
At Silver Spring Apartments off Bypass, celebrations began on Thursday with Holika Dahan. The residents plan to celebrate Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura-style revelry. "There will be a mix of cultural performances, including live performances of the traditional dhap of Mathura and Vrindavan. There will also be a rain dance, DJ music, and a vast spread of delicious food. We have distributed earthen pots filled with colours as an invitation to residents and designed custom Holi-themed kurtas. We are committed to making this an eco-friendly Holi," said Ashok Baid, secretary of Silver Spring Apartment Owners' Association.
At Shapoorji Pallonji Shukhobrishti Housing Complex's "Holi Chapter 6.0", organisers expect an attendance of over 22,000 residents. The event will feature a DJ party on a massive dance floor and an eco-friendly approach with 100 kg of herbal gulal. "There will be snacks and thandai from paid food stalls. Our goal is to bring the community together for a day full of happiness, dance, and vibrant celebrations," said Sourav Mukherjee, president of Spriha Cultural Society, which is organising the event.
A special musical programme for senior citizens kicked off the celebrations at South City complex on Wednesday evening. On Friday, the celebration will start at 8 am with a prabhat pheri. "This will be followed by ‘Phool Aur Holi' at 9 am, after which, children will begin their revelries at the central lawn. There will be thandai and mouth-watering snacks on offer," said Manoj Gupta, a senior resident of the complex.
DLF Newtown Heights will host Basanta Utsav from 4.30 am till 9 am, followed by a community breakfast. "From 9.30 am, there will be a rain dance and DJ party, accompanied by refreshing thandai," said Sameer Sharma, president of Newtown Heights.
Organisers of the event at Siddha Pines in Rajarhat have asked residents not to bring their own colours but to celebrate with herbal colour and gulaal provided by the RWA," president Manav Mehra said.
Purti Flowers will also embrace an eco-friendly Holi, beginning with Holika Dahan in the evening, followed by a community gathering of 150 residents. "We also encourage residents to use herbal colours for a safer celebration," said Om Prakash Agarwal, president of the RWA.