It is colour, music, and fun all the way

With their hands dipped in powders of various colours, men, women, and children of the Marwari community drenched themselves in the spirit of ‘Khatu Shyam Phalgun Nishan Yatra’ celebrations on Sunday morning.

Observed on the ‘Ekadashi’ before Holi, the annual ritual, presented by Visakha Prem Sagar, appeared to be an apt occasion for family members and friends to share their joy.

With yellow, purple, blue, orange, and maroon flags (nishan) lending colour to the yatra, a chariot carrying the deity of Khatu Shyam was taken out in a procession from Dondaparthy to the community’s temple in Kurupam Market.

The processional deity was neatly decked up with strings of fresh flower garlands and topped with a peacock feather that swayed carelessly to the gentle breeze.

Thumping their feet to the drumbeats and pulsating music, smearing colours, and showering rose petals, the Marwaris celebrated the day with unbridled joy and enthusiasm.

With faces daubed with vibrant coloured powders, youngsters were seen clicking selfies.

“It is fun to meet my friends and cousins all at one place and rejoice. The best part that I enjoy is taking part in the procession, where we can dance all the way to the temple,” said Koyna, an 11-year-old girl waving a maroon-coloured flag.

While women were dressed in traditional attire, most men were seen in white-coloured kurta-pyjama only to discolour them beyond recognition.

“For us, this kind of yatra comes four times in a year — during ‘Karthik’ and ‘Sravan’ months, Khatu Shyam’s annual utsav, and before Holi. Special puja is performed at home, and some of us observe fast on Ekadashi,” said Vimala Sarma, a homemaker who took part in the yatra.

Marwari community celebrates ‘Khatu Shyam Phalgun Nishan Yatra’