28 Mar Holi Special! :-)
Holi – the name itself brings in the emotion behind it – the colours, the spring breeze, the sun, the food and the gala time it brings along. But this time around, since we shall be following ‘Social Distancing’ so will not be celebrating Holi in the traditional way- playing in groups, with neighbours, friends and family. This means a major part of the fun is compromised but that’s the need of the hour for a safer tomorrow.
And, I have a 5-year-old with me who has just started to understand and enjoy these festivals. Looking at her excitement I better be prepared with something else to compensate for the missing frolic and Colour playing.
So I pondered and brainstormed and what I am going to do now to maintain the fun factor and celebrate Holi in its full element and still be safe, is this:
- Make a playlist for Holi to set the mood and feel. Bollywood Holi songs from ‘Rang Barse’ to ‘Do me a Favour let’s play Holi’, from ‘Holi ke Din’ to ‘Balam Pichkari’, from ‘Aaj na Chhodenge’ to ‘Hori Khere Raghuveera’, from ‘Holiya mein ude re gulal’ to ‘Badri ki Dulhaniya’, from ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ (Aap ki Kasam) to ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ (War), all are on my list.
- Tell story of the ‘Holi’ festival to kids of the House. The story of Bhakt Prahlad, his Aunt Holika and Father Hiranyakashyap is the mythological story behind this festival. I am going to let the next generation know the reason we celebrate this festival with full vigour.
- Making delicacies. Malpua, Gujhiya, Dahi Vada, Jalebi, Puran Poli, Thandai and if one can really pull it off, the good old Bhaang. I am going to skip the Bhaang part and try to make at least a couple of the others. Her favourite is Malpua, so that’s definitely on cards.
- Family time. There is nothing better than spending happy times with family, especially at festivals. Since her Grandparents aren’t in town this year, I might invite over only a couple of close friends for a chilled out, happy day (just the ones who are taking strict precautions like us).
- Fun activity with kids- Since it is Sunday this time on Holika Dahan, spending dedicated time with kids and having some fun is high on the agenda. ‘Tooth Brush Painting’ on an old t-shirt or ‘Tie and Dye’ art on an old kurta is on my list and wearing it the next day – that ways we will already be colourful all through the Holi.
Try any of these or all and make this ‘Social Distancing wali Holi’ as special and as memorable.
Pour in your thoughts and suggestions.
Save Water!
Stay Safe!
Happy Holi! 🙂
Anil kumar
Posted at 06:18h, 28 MarchThought provoking ideas to enjoy holi , pass on the legacy with social distancing which is need of the hour. Very nice article
Jagriti Chhabra
Posted at 18:03h, 28 MarchThank You. 🙂
Ajoy Sinha
Posted at 07:27h, 28 MarchNicely written about celebrating this year’s holi – social distancing wali.
Last year too we could not celebrate holi with full colours due to Corona. But I happened to be with my two son’s family and enjoyed different kinds of traditional foods on Holika dahan day – like variety of Pakoras, Curry and rice, dahi bara, etc. On the auspicious day of HOLI too we enjoyed Malpua, chhole, mutton, rice, gujhia, etc and played holi with all of them present and enjoyed.
But this year I miss all and also think that no activity shall be there in society too.
I will spent time with my better half and enjoy some of traditional foods on both the days.
Wish you all a very happy holi.
Jagriti Chhabra
Posted at 18:10h, 28 MarchAbsolutely. Health and safety first. Let’s all hope that the pandemic gets over before it disturbes more families or tarnishes the soul of any other festival. Wishing a very Happy n safe Holi to you too.
Pooja Hura
Posted at 07:31h, 28 MarchOh. Lovely ideas. I might use some of them!.
Jagriti Chhabra
Posted at 18:14h, 28 MarchGreat. Have a Happy Holi. 🙂