Holi – The Festival of Colours…and Water!
(As it appeared in the Bandra Buzz last year) It’s that time of the year again when the whole of India unwinds and chills out to participate in the Holi festival. Colourful faces, wet clothes and ecstatic shrieks all herald in this joyous spring festival. Holi is yet another celebration of the triumph of good over evil – It is the commemoration of the burning of the demoness Holika as she tried to kill Prahlada, the privileged devotee of Lord Vishnu, who miraculously survived. Huge bonfires are lit across India to celebrate this glorious event. Holi has always been celebrated with gaiety and vigour in Mumbai. The cosmopolitan nature of this city ensures that people of all castes and creeds become wet and colourful during this festive occasion. Gangs of mischievous kids hurl water balloons at each other or at unsuspecting passers-by who first shriek, then abuse and finally burst into laughter - well, not always! And then there are the groups of adults who are...