Gurgaon residents ready to bask in Holi colours

Residents’ welfare associations in Gurgaon have arranged for musical events and a sumptuous Holi spread to celebrate the festival

The festival of colours is here and the Gurgaon residents cannot to wait to immerse themselves in Holi celebrations. The resident welfare associations across the city have lined up a host of events to mark the day with traditional warmth and fervour. Soirees have been arranged on the premises of residential societies and bands and musical troupes have been invited to perform on the day.

Residents shop for Holi at Gurgaon’s Galleria market on Sunday. (Saneev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Nishkam Foundation, the residents’ welfare group of DLF phase 2, Gurgaon, organised a gala event on Sunday and have lined up many more on Monday as well. On Sunday, artistes from Mathura performed Raasleela and Phoolon Ki Holi.

A sumptuous festive spread has also been planned on Sunday, with the delicacies ranging from Purani Dilli ki Chaat, Amritsari Kulchas, Papri, North Indian Bedmi Aloo, Rajma Chawal to a Chinese platter including Manchurian noodles and other mouth-watering dishes. The residents will also have an opportunity to indulge their sweet tooth with the Holi special spread that includes Jalebi, Rabri, Gulab Jamun, Kulfi with Thandai and many more. The residents will also participate in such games as Dahi Matki, Musical Chairs and Tambola as part of Holi celebrations.

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“We wanted more people, across all age groups, to take part in this year’s Holi celebrations. Hence, we organised events that are open to residents of all ages. Those who don’t like playing with colours can indulge in other activities and enjoy the delicious food on offer. Rain dance by youths is also one of the events that the residents are eagerly looking forward to,” Vinod Tayal, president, Nishkam Foundation and a resident of DLF Phase 2, said.

“I am really excited and simply can’t wait for the Holi celebrations this year. I heard that Raasleela and Phoolon Ki Holi will be organised this time and I am really looking forward to these events,” Janvi Sanganeria, another resident of DLF Phase 2, said.

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The residents of new and up and coming sectors are also eager to break out into a riot of colours on Holi but wants to ensure that the celebration is safe and incident-free. Enviro, a facility management company in Gurgaon, has been running several campaigns across these sectors in a bid to raise public awareness on keeping the celebrations safe. Most of the residents have opted for herbal colours, which are deemed safe, this time. They will also indulge in Phoolon Ki Holi.

At DLF, Gardencity, the festivities will begin on a traditional note with Holi Ka Dahan, signifying the victory of good over evil. DLF New Town Heights Condominium Association — sectors 86, 90 and 91 — has organised rain dance event accompanied by music on Monday. Residents of all age groups are expected to participate in the programme.

Residential areas in Sector 82 will also celebrate the festival in ritualistic manner through Holi Ka Dahan. Organic colours will be used for the celebrations and artistes from Mathura have been brought in to regale the residents. A kids’ zone has also been put together in Sector 82.

Sectors 56, 57, 14 , 17 and Palam Vihar are also expected to come alive with Holi celebrations. In Sector 42, Elan Group has organised an organic Holi where residents will celebrate with herbal colours. Food stalls have also come up and the delicacies include gujiya and a Holi special thandai.