The city was awash with the colours of Holi on Thursday as revellers sprayed colours and shared sweets as they shouted holi hai at passersby.
The most significant stopover for the Holi revellers was Begum Bazaar where dozens of pushcart vendors sold bhang , an intoxicant derived from cannabis. “A glass of bhang is for ₹40 and a glass of thandai is ₹30,” said Balaji Singh, as he stirred a large vessel with a thin runny green liquid and chunks of large ice cubes floating in it. “I have made it at home. This is one day when I make some good money,” said Mr. Singh, as men and women stopped to drink and go on the road between Mussalam Jung Bridge and Gosha Mahal.
The predominantly business community locality celebrated the day with gusto with even senior citizens joining the fun. “We came out of our home at 6 a.m. and I have been on the road for a long time. The celebrations will stop only at 5 p.m.,” said Ratish, who lives near Narsing Temple at Begum Bazaar area. The celebration of Holi is linked to Narsing or Lord Narasimha, who kills the demon Hiranyakasyapa after his sister Holika fails in killing Prahalad by jumping into the pyre.
Deserted look
Elsewhere, the city wore a deserted look as shops, offices, banks, and schools stayed shut for Holi. But the quietness of the main roads was deceptive as apartment blocks, and residential colonies saw a communal celebration of Holi on a big scale.
