Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Expands Eco-Conscious Vedic Holi Initiative
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced a significant expansion of its 'Vedic Holi' celebrations, with events scheduled at 101 locations across the city this year. This move marks a major scaling up of the eco-conscious Holika Dahan initiative that was first introduced in March 2024.
City-Wide Celebrations Across All Civic Zones
According to AMC officials, the Vedic Holi festivities will be organized across all seven civic zones of Ahmedabad. In each zone, celebrations will take place at three key locations: the society judged as the cleanest, along with two prominent religious or important institutions. This structured approach aims to ensure widespread participation and visibility for the environmentally responsible initiative.
Special Holika Dahan Kits Prepared for Distribution
As part of the preparations, the civic body's CNC department-run Krupa Mandir will prepare special Holika Dahan kits. These kits will contain cow dung cakes and sticks, essential for the traditional ceremony. Each kit is priced at Rs 2,500 and will include an online donation receipt towards cow service, adding a charitable dimension to the celebration.
The kits will be delivered to designated representatives of the selected societies and institutions one or two days prior to the festival. This logistical planning ensures that all participants are well-equipped to conduct the Vedic Holi ceremonies in an authentic and organized manner.
Rapid Growth of the Vedic Holi Initiative
The AMC launched the Vedic Holi concept in March 2024, with initial celebrations held at just 11 locations. The initiative saw substantial growth in March 2025, expanding to approximately 42 locations. This year's plan to host events at 101 sites represents more than a doubling of last year's scale, highlighting the program's increasing popularity and civic support.
Promoting Tradition with Environmental Responsibility
Over the past two years, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has actively promoted Holika Dahan in its Vedic form as an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional celebrations. Officials emphasize that the campaign seeks to blend tradition with sustainability, enabling citizens to celebrate Holi in an eco-friendly manner.
This initiative also reinforces cleanliness and environmental awareness across the city, aligning with broader civic goals. By encouraging the use of natural materials like cow dung cakes and sticks, the AMC aims to reduce pollution and promote a greener approach to festive traditions.
The expansion of Vedic Holi celebrations reflects a growing community commitment to preserving cultural heritage while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. With 101 locations now involved, Ahmedabad sets a notable example for other cities looking to integrate sustainability into traditional festivities.
