In the backdrop of the State bifurcation and upcoming general elections, Holi festival gained special significance this year.
In many places across the city, including Tarnaka, Uppal, Narayanguda and Secunderabad joyous Telangana supporters participated in the revelry in large numbers. Not to be left behind, many politicians mixed with their party workers and supporters and participated in the festivities ahead of the elections.
The leaders included TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu, Congress leaders Danam Nagender, Anjan Kumar Yadav and BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy.
However, the youngsters of the city seemed to have a gala time. From splashing colours to shouting in excitement, youngsters drenched in colours, were spotted in many places.
A good number of resorts, clubs and hotels held special Holi parties including rain dance which was a big hit.
There were also those who ushered in Holi in a natural way. Stores selling natural colours made brisk business as demand for these colours went up when compared to previous years. “I have invited my cousins and other family members to play Holi. We had all decided to play with natural colours as nobody wants to take a chance with chemical colours. Due to widespread awareness, there are many like me going for natural colours,” said V Pavan Kumar, a resident of Begumpet.
There were also those who had a “dry Holi” so as to not waste water. Some apartments too followed this trend. “There are many kids in my apartment and we have to teach them to conserve water. We thought this is a novel way of spreading the message as one can play Holi without water too,” said Pooja Jain, a techie and resident of Madhapur.
The traditional intoxicant drink, “bhang” was also savoured by many.
