My first Publication magazine final | Page 7

It was late in the night; ev- eryone was asleep, so were we. With our dimmed eyes and clum- sy faces, we threw our bags on the muddy floor, disconnected contact with all the lives around and went for a tight sleep. Next day, dawn brought a little light on our faces, we were all set for a fresh start and chasing the Holi Mandali for all day long. The ‘Ganna Bajana’ started at eight in the morning, continuous Dhol beats, loud hootings and DJ speakers bursting; it was enough to wake all of us from the sleep. Finally, we were standing on our feet and looking at each other like we were alive once again. As we all have heard, ladies first, the same was followed. Pretty little women of the village were the one who inaugurated the Holi celebration every day by offering first at the KEKATHA- AN(GODDESS KALIKA TEMPLE). I was on time like always, may- be a little early, it started with a young girl playing the DHOLAK loudly, so, to gather everyone, slowly women wrapped in white sarees with different types of red dots on them started set- tling in the temple premises. Bhajans, Remix of Hindi songs, Mangal Geet, everything was on the list, it seemed like a non- stop CD from the ‘90s. But it was only a trailer, Film was yet to come. With their last song, first, stop KEKATHAAN was done, next was my ancestral place. The wooden house was built in the late ‘60s, my whole child- hood conversation with my fa- ther is about his home on the downhill and about the mem- ories attached to it. I was ex- cited, so were the ladies as it was the first time there com- ing to our place to celebrate. I was tired, almost exhaust- ed & drained after such a long journey, from one corner to the other. But nothing changed for the natives, they had the same energy as they had in the morning and every day. Tomor- row was a big day (MAIN HOLI DAY). Water will be every- where but not a drop to satisfy your thirst; Holi is on the cor- Before reaching home, the ladies ner; colors are in the air and started throwing colors at each your cheeks are about to tint. other, their faces looked so viv- id and distinct, it became a lot hard for me to recognize them. The Holi party at my place ended with the standard Pa- hari snacks, GUD(JAGGERY) & ALOO K (POTATO MASH). Now, it was time for some real fun, things about which my father was talking about, The Ultimate PURUSH(MEN) Holi. I changed my clothes and got ready for the renowned revel- ry. The ki Holi was contrasting from the MAHILA one. Many of them were wearing colored wigs, hats, and funny glass- es. There were not only men but included little & young boys who were getting trained to take this legacy forward. The SARPANCH(HEADMAN) hung a DHOL across his neck; everyone else started mov- ing in a circle around him. he hours-long journey started with one of the oldest houses and ended at the smallest temple on the outskirts of the village. 6. From centuries, Holi is cel- ebrated in India, especial- ly after the TRETA YUG. Lord Krishna from always is connected to Holi, as his Holi is characterized as the best of all time. That time, it was played with flowers, not colors, over the years Holi celebration has seen a drastic change, but years are just numbers, the main change is with its playing in different regions of India, from North to South, West to East, everywhere the flavor is diverse and vibrant. The above article narrates the festivity of Holi in the Ku- maon region of Uttarakhand.