AHMEDABAD: Amdavadis are ready to colour over the gloom and doom of the past two Covidhit years with enthusiastic Holi celebrations this year.
The state was struck by the first case of coronavirus right after Holi in 2020. The festivities in 2021 were marred by the second and deadliest Covid wave that Gujarat had witnessed. However, with active cases dropping to less than 420 in the state, citizens are in a mood to celebrate with abandon on Friday.
The exuberance was apparent in last-minute shopping for pichkaris, water balloons and colours at major city markets. Societies have organized rain dances. While many Amdavadis planned Holi parties, others have decided to make the most of the long weekend by going on a trip.
Observing Holika Dahan on Thursday evening, citizens lit bonfires to commemorate the triumph of Bhakt Prahlad’s faith in god and to mark the triumph of good over evil. They prayed for a good harvest and a good year while walking around the bonfire barefoot, offering jowar, batasha, and split chickpeas to the fire.
On Friday, silver pichkaris will be offered to deities at Jagannathji temple as the majority of Swaminarayan temples will celebrate the festival of Dhuleti — the second day of the festival — with gulaal and water extracted from kesuda or flame of the forest flowers.
The full moon day of Falgun month holds special significance for the devotees of Lord Krishna. About 10 lakh devotees, most of them on foot, are likely to visit Dakor during the weekend. Ravindra Upadhyay, manager of the temple, said, “We expect a heavy rush as devotees were unable to visit last year. Many visit the temple to complete their vows and offer a dhwaja (flag) at the temple. ”
Health experts advised caution while enjoying the festivities. Doctors said that after the festival, issues of skin rashes, eye irritation and hair-related problems increase manifold. The experts asked citizens to apply hair oil and moisturize the skin before playing Holi.
“It is advisable to wear sunglasses and avoid throwing colours in eyes, ears or mouth. One must refrain from using chemical-based colours and stick to gulaal or natural pigments. Don’t consume bhaang or any other substance before driving,” said a physician.
