Celebrating Holi: A Journey Back to Tradition and Togetherness
While Holi has transformed into a more vibrant and boisterous celebration over the years, many individuals still cherish its original essence, which is rooted in gentle gulal, familial customs, and nostalgic memories. Celebrities share their perspectives on how they keep the festival alive with emotion, warmth, and unity.
Dhruvee Haldankar: My Holi celebrations are centered around tradition and mindfulness. I enjoy using dry herbal colors and flowers, and I often spritz a light perfume on the muladhara root and the wrists of my loved ones as a sweet gesture. We indulge in simple homemade dishes like kadi chawal and sweets. Although I’ve noticed that celebrations have become increasingly loud and party-oriented, I still prefer to keep it warm and traditional. I particularly enjoy using dry colors and fragrant flower petals like rajnigandha and gulaab, as they feel gentle and eco-friendly. I steer clear of water balloons and excessive water use.
Parleen Gill: For me, Holi is much more than just colors and fun; it represents forgiveness, new beginnings, and the release of past negativity. It’s a beautiful time for people to reconnect, mend differences, and start anew. There’s something special about gently applying color to someone’s face, as it conveys warmth and affection. While water balloons were enjoyable in childhood, I now prefer a more mindful celebration. One of my fondest childhood memories of Holi is waking up early, filled with excitement, and strategizing with friends the night before. Those moments were pure innocence—no phones, no social media, just genuine laughter and running around the neighborhood. Coming home completely drenched to the aroma of hot food and sweets is a feeling I will never forget.
Parleen Gill
Shiwani Chakraborty: When I’m in my hometown, I celebrate Holi just like in the old days. Living in a close-knit community, we visit each other’s homes to celebrate. We start by applying gulal to our parents’ feet to seek their blessings, then we go to our home temple to apply gulal to Lord Krishna. After that, it’s all about fun with friends, and everyone becomes unrecognizable in the colors.
Shivangi Verma: I have a preference for dry colors, especially gulal, as water balloons can sometimes be painful and wasteful. Gulal feels safer, festive, and looks stunning in photos. As children, we would kick off Holi early in the morning, running around our community drenched in colors, returning home tired yet happy. Those innocent days were the best. Holi used to be very traditional at home, with rituals and blessings from elders, followed by sweets. Nowadays, celebrations have shifted to more modern DJ parties and themed events, but I still cherish the traditional aspects.
Shivangi Verma
Megha Sharma: For me, Holi transcends being merely a festival of colors; it serves as a form of emotional cleansing. It embodies forgiveness, new beginnings, and the release of emotional burdens. When we apply colors to one another, it reminds me that life is more beautiful when we embrace every shade—joy, pain, and growth. Holi is a festival of healing and reconnection. As a child, my Holi was simple—just gulal in my community, homemade gujiya, and that warm, homely feeling. Today, celebrations have become more extravagant, with loud music and large gatherings, but I still prefer intimate and meaningful celebrations over anything too ostentatious. While glamour has increased, true happiness lies in togetherness.
Adrija Roy: I love beginning the day with traditional rituals—applying gulal, seeking blessings from elders, and enjoying homemade sweets. As the day progresses, it becomes more playful with music and dancing. However, the emotional and family aspects will always hold the utmost importance for me. This year marks my first Holi with my fiancé, making it feel like a new chapter in my life.
Himanshi Parashar: To me, Holi, like any festival, signifies family time. I ensure I am home in Delhi with my family whenever a festival occurs. I believe festivals are meant to unite families, and I always manage my commitments to be present.
Himanshi Parashar