LUCKNOW: Continuing to celebrate Holi in a traditional way like pre-Covid times, Chowk's famous Holi procession will be back and organised this year on a grand scale on March 18.
Entering its 54th year, 'Chowk ki Holi' has become an essential part of the city. Started by veteran politician Lalji Tandon and Hindi writer Amritlal Nagar, the flamboyant Holi procession is not just to mark the festival of colours, but is also taken out to spread the message of communal harmony.
"Holi is a celebration of love and brotherhood. Our festivities should not only preserve and promote the spirit of the festival, but also keep in mind our safety and that of others. We will have to keep covid protocols in mind while playing colours and not use any substance which is harmful to health. Besides, we should refrain from drunk driving and prevent others from doing so.-Timesview"
Like previous year, the procession will commence at 10am from Koneshwar Mahadev Mandir, passing through Victoria Lane, Gol Darwaza, Akbari Gate and Nakkhas. "It has been a tradition that when the procession passes through the Muslim dominated areas the community members too join the celebration by sprinkling 'itar' on the passers-by and floral showers. The celebration is of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood," Anurag Mishra of Holika Utsav Samiti in Chowk said, adding that more than 1,000 people are expected to join in. A holika dahan programme will also be organised on March 17.
Another old procession Tesu-ki-Holi is also finding its way in the bylanes of Chaupatiyan in Chowk once again. The event will complete its 48-year journey, said Riddhi Gaur, general secretary of Shubh Sanskar Samiti, organizer of Tesu-ki-Holi. Claiming that 'Tesu ki Holi' was revived in 2015 in its present form, he said that members of the samiti will place tubs of ‘tesu’ extracted water for revellers and escort people on camels and elephants. "We have witnessed the beauty of this tradition when we were kids. After the two years’ gap, the city will witness the procession once again," said Gaur.
