Do you love Holi? Well I definitely do; but with T n Cs of course! I can't declare hands down that I can/want to play Holi anywhere! As much as I love it, I am sort of scared too. I can play only with my small bubble of known people, even that doesn't guarantee that I will leave the grounds with a smiling face. Having spent my early childhood in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and hence the hub of Holi, I have heard of really scary things. The Holi of Barsana (Mathura district) is something that is on every adventure junkie's list but has eluded my checklist forever. 

Holi is such an awaited fun festival. Although every year it gets me thinking about the same thing: is it a boon or bane? "Bura na Mano Holi Hai" is exploited in a very weird manner. Someone rubbing colours badly in the face (eventually getting into the eyes) : Bura na Mano Holi hai. Someone dashing into a neighbour's house early in the morning, ambushing with colours, eventually destroying the house, Bura na Mano Holi hai. Molesting someone in the name of Holi is so common amongst youngsters. This year, I particularly witnessed multiple incidents while on my regular walk in the park. I usually take a stroll in the green belt near my society, which is (not unexpectedly) a lover's paradise. To make things clear, I have never made out with my boyfriend in any park for that matter 😂😂😂 (maybe because my boyfriend married me too quickly?) but I can definitely relate with youngsters and their raging hormones, and the desire to whisper sweet nothings in a seemingly secluded place.

 The way the boys were smearing colours on the girls' faces and necks (and upper part of chest) made me shudder with fear. On the contrary, those young females seemed to be enjoying. Maybe I overthink because I am too old. But the girl mom in me can't unsee this kind of behaviour. My daughters would be in such kind of environment after a few years and this would be the last thing that I would want for them.

Holi is often notorious for being an ocassion for eve teasing and for drunken driving and vandalism too. My husband gets a ton of fracture cases during festivals, and the highest number seems to be on Holi. It's a straight statistic. 

My kids loveee Holi. It has become an annual ritual with their grandpa, going to buy the latest type of pichkari with colours and accessories of their choice. Of course they are in this tiny privileged bubble, where Holi means throwing colours at their society friends, while munching on piping pakodas, followed by a delicious comfort lunch with the community. Or attending our Holi parties thrown by the medical fraternity. Their bubble will soon burst, as soon as they leave their nests and realise that this festival of colours can turn really ugly.

What I absolutely adore about this festival is the exchange of gujiyas and colours and meeting old friends after a long time. However this spring celebration, which started with a noble intention has transformed into a commercial bonanza as well as a health hazard (both mental and physical).

I am a very optimistic person but a realist. So I am often brooding on these things. Hopefully, our kids (the privileged ones as well as the not so privileged ones) never have to see the ugly side of this festival. Let this remain their favourite celebration (as they say now) forever, without any TnCs. And even if something minor happens, let them have the courage to go past it because Bura na Mano, Holi hai!!

Do you love Holi? Or do you have any clauses attached?