Kolkata Housing Societies Prepare for Holi with Blend of Tradition and Modern Revelry
Across the bustling city of Kolkata, housing complexes are gearing up to celebrate Dol and Holi with a vibrant fusion of spectacle and deep-rooted tradition. From high-decibel DJ afternoons and energetic rain dances to serene prabhat pheris and Santiniketan-style Basanta Utsav, resident welfare associations (RWAs) are orchestrating multi-day events that transform lawns, podiums, and central parks into color-soaked arenas of joy.
Silver Spring Apartments: A Vrindavan-Inspired Celebration
At Silver Spring Apartments, located off EM Bypass, the festival will unfold as a revelry inspired by the holy cities of Vrindavan and Mathura in the common area. The lineup is designed to cater to all ages, featuring a rain dance and a DJ-led musical afternoon, complemented by an elaborate food spread. Ashok Baid, a senior RWA member at the complex, emphasized the community spirit, stating, "There will be a rain dance, DJ music, and a celebration where all residents come together to enjoy the festival. We are planning a vast spread of delicious food and are committed to making this an eco-friendly Holi with organic colours." Organisers are distributing herbal gulal to encourage a safer and more environmentally conscious celebration.
South City: A Three-Day Festive Extravaganza
In South City, a more expansive three-day programme has already commenced, kicking off with Holika Dahan around midnight on Monday. Manoj Gupta, a senior resident, detailed the schedule: "After Holika Dahan, we will have a prabhat pheri on Tuesday morning, followed by an in-house cultural programme and musical afternoon at the central lawn. On Wednesday, there will be Phoolon ki Holi and a DJ and musical programme in the afternoon." The festivities include plenty of snack stalls on both days, along with complimentary abir and thandai to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Rajarhat and Golf Green: Rituals and Cultural Heritage
In Rajarhat, Siddha Pines is hosting a three-day Basanta Utsav and Holi celebration, beginning with Thandi Holi and Nyara Pora rituals on Monday night. Manav Mehra, president of the RWA, explained, "On Tuesday, we will celebrate Dol Jatra at the Woods Garden, and on Wednesday there will be a grand colour fest near the pool area. There will be DJ music, lights, snacks, and refreshing thandai on all days." Organisers have designated separate zones for rituals and color play to ensure smooth conduct of events.
Meanwhile, at Golf Green, residents are preparing for a Santiniketan-style Dol Utsab steeped in song and procession. Now in its 26th year, the programme will begin at 7:30 am and continue till 10 am, with participation from around 400 residents. Saibal Raha, secretary of the central coordination committee, described the unique format: "Three groups of singers and dancers will begin a prabhat pheri from three ends of Golf Green and converge at the central park for the main programme."
Promoting Responsible and Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Across these housing societies, RWAs are actively promoting responsible celebration practices. Advisories have been circulated emphasizing the use of organic colors, with many complexes arranging complimentary abir counters and thandai kiosks. Food stalls, ranging from chaat to festive fare, are expected to draw crowds throughout the afternoon, adding to the communal spirit. This concerted effort highlights a growing trend towards blending traditional Holi rituals with modern entertainment while prioritizing environmental sustainability and community safety.
