Bengaluru: Holi celebrations take a hit amid water shortage

Bengaluru: The water crisis in the city has also hit the celebration of the Holi festival. The water board has set rules in the public interest, advising people not to use Cauvery and borewell water for pool parties and rain dances. This has dampened the excitement of Bengalurians, who were looking forward to celebrating with colors.

Usually, Holi is celebrated in areas like Whitefield, Marathahalli, Koramangala, Indiranagar, MG Road, Jayanagar, and Banashankari, as well as in fancy hotels and resorts.

Holi is a big deal, especially for North Indians, but this year, due to the water problem, the water board has suggested being mindful and celebrating it at home.

Water woes:

During Holi, people of all ages enjoy splashing colors by spraying colored water using water guns or cups. Pool parties and rain dances need even more water. After Holi, cleaning off the paint from skin and clothes, and cleaning up the area, also needs a lot of water. Therefore, experts say it’s better to celebrate Holi at home this year with alternative means.

Ban on rain dance and pool party:

Before Holi, special events are usually held in fancy hotels and resorts, but the government’s rules have put a brake on parties.

Special private events had been planned in the five-star hotels and resorts of the city even before the Holi festival week, and tickets have also been sold online. However, after the government implemented water-saving policies, many events were cancelled. Some have dropped rain dances and pool parties.

Holi with flowers instead of colors:

This year, amid the water shortage, some organizers are using flowers instead of colors. Isha Rathod, an organizer of the Holi program in Bellandur, says that instead of paint and water, it has been decided to celebrate the festival of colors as ‘Foolon Ki Holi’, using colored flowers.

 

Others are resorting to tips for minimising water use. Before playing dry Holi, it is advisable to apply coconut oil, glycerin, or moisturizer to the skin, hair, behind the ears, and around the nose, as it helps to clean it quickly with minimal water.

Shashidhar, a Sarjapur resident, said, “With borewells running dry and water supplied by tankers, Holi festivities are subdued. We’ve opted for symbolic celebrations at home.”

Akshata, residing in Whitefield, remarked, “Though Holi traditionally cools us in summer, this year’s drought has led us to prohibit mass celebrations. We’ve advised children to use less water for playing Holi.”