Grey Holi for most

Lacklustre festival? But for some, this is the time to come together and start afresh

Lacklustre festival? But for some, this is the time to come together and start afresh

Holi was a muted affair with the usual revelry missing at many of the IT companies in Bangalore.

Colour coded: These kids soak in the spirit of Holi

"That joyous spirit has been dampened by the atrocities that our city has faced in the last few months. Somewhere within us, there is a reluctance to involve ourselves in any kind of exhibition," said Anil Kumar, a techie working with Motorola.

It's a similar story with Kirana S of ABB Solutions. "Usually there is so much fervour before Holi but not this time. The mood is dull and no one wants to enjoy and have fun. Last year was super fun. We even slapped mud on each other and it became so dirty that at the end of it all, we resembled guinea pigs. This time, we had a small pooja at home and nothing really happened at office," she said.

Will celebrate

Infosys will celebrate today. "We will organise a small party in our campus. I think this is important because this brings all of us together and when there's recession and all that, this is one way of letting go and starting afresh," said Payal Jain, software professional at Infosys.

That's precisely the spirit that permeated the Indian Institute of Management campus.

Students put up a show with dance and song sequences, and drenched each other with colour.

"I know not many are celebrating Holi this time due to all that's been happening. But we can't be doing this to ourselves and this is the time to show unity," said Pavan Dayal, student of IIM-B.

Straight from the stars
We get some of the leading ladies of Sandalwood to speak about their plans for Holi.

Sanjana
I haven't been able to celebrate Holi in the last three years though as a child, I would have great fun with colours and eggs. This time, we planned a celebration with family and friends at Grand Ashok. My friends from Hyderabad will join in. I'm planning to wear a white, organic salwar-kameez. I hope this Holi will be colourful and bring joy and love.

Jennifer Kotwal
I plan to celebrate Holi at our apartment and club with my family and school friends. I am excited but scared of the colours at the same time. I hate permanent colours. I hope I'm spared.

Meghana
This is the first time I'll be celebrating Holi in India. Till last year, I celebrated with Indian friends in California. The people there would wonder about the colour on our faces. I like the idea of family and friends getting together. But I have no special plans.u00a0u00a0

Aindrita Ray
I have no special plans this time because I am busy shooting. But my mom will arrange a pooja at home. I've enjoyed Holi during my childhood and college days with bright colours, eggs and balloons.


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