An informal Delhi can be better understood with its Holi celebrations. We all know Delhi as the capital of India. It's New Delhi, to be certain. It is the cultural tradition of India. It is the unparalleled city of India which has stood the test of time, to historic battles, convulsions, and formations and so on. It is the place of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidents house. It houses the 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the residence of the Indian Prime Minister. It is the place of intriguing relics like Purana Qila, National Museum, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Qutab Minar, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Lodhi Gardens, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and so on.
Delhi is expansive both in terms of geography as well as culture. It is far from being only a conventional state of history and achievements. Delhi is a brew of historical interests, an amalgamation of traditions, a myriad of flavours arising from tiny pockets of the city. It is boisterous in terms of people, colours and events. Many call it as Dilli, a city of heart.
It is the festival of colours, mirth, unification, dance and smacking foods like Gujiya, Masala Mathri, Samosa, Puran Poli, Thandai, Chaats like Papri Chaat and Dahi Vallah. The list is endless!
But how do people of Delhi celebrate Holi? How is Holi in Delhi different from Holi in Mumbai or Goa or Udaipur or Kolkata or abroad?
Let us learn about the special Holi in Delhi.
Holi celebrations in Delhi often begins with a 'Tilak'. A Tilak is a traditional mark of colour drawn on a person's forehead. To some it is a symbol of honour, to some it represents confidence. Some wear it as a custom. Some believe it to be a good omen. People also greet one another with garlands before commencing Holi. Delhiites (people who live in Delhi) celebrate holy with endless music. Delhi is perceived to have a musical Holi. Another upcoming event of 2019, Holi Sangria is extravagant celebrations. According to sources, it will be hosted in TheGameForest club, Archview Drive, Sector- 58, Gurugram. You can expect amazing fun here. There will be vibrant colours along with the music.
Being a metro city, an amalgamation of cultures and traditions can be witnessed here. Virtually all aspects of Holi as seen in various states are noticeable in the numerous pockets of Delhi. People move out in tolis and apply colour on each other till they become unrecognizable. Play with colors peaks up in the residential colonies as people usually do not go out with families beyond their neighborhood. Even public conveyances do no ply with usual frequency. Feasts, music, dancing and blasting parties are held all over the city to mark the festival of colours. People hug and greet each other by applying abeer as tilak. Any feeling of hardship or animosity is forgotten on the day. Is is said that even the enemies become friend on Holi.
On the eve of Holi, bonfires or Holika are lit in the important centres of the city where people celebrate the victory of good over evil. Wood for burning Holika is collected weeks before the festival.Being a political hub of the country, Delhi sees huge enthusiasm even among the politicians. Holi is also celebrated at the Presidents and Prime Minister residences where people gather to play Holi. Cultural events and lots of fun mark the day.
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