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?Damkal Holi? a Daraganj speciality
Keeping aside the modern influence on the festival of colours, the residents of Daraganj still stick to their age old tradition. 'Damkal Holi' which is quite popular in the locality has witnessed several decades of celebration.
Keeping aside the modern influence on the festival of colours, the residents of Daraganj still stick to their age old tradition. 'Damkal Holi' which is quite popular in the locality has witnessed several decades of celebration.
The uniqueness lies with its name which is associated with fire brigade (damkal). However, the tradition had started long ago when there was no sign of fire brigade.
According to Teerthraj Pandey, the senior citizens of the area started this tradition. "Large water containers filled with colours are placed at the main crossings of the area and then colours are thrown at every passerby with the help of metallic pressure sprinklers. People enjoy the method as it is akin to a shower.
Nobody is allowed to pass through the area without being soaked in colours.
Usually four huge containers are kept at each crossing", he said.
"Natesh Shastri, late Ramavatar Pandey and others are credited to start this tradition in the area which is still being followed and kept alive by Dharmaraj Pandey, Dukan Ji and the members of Rastogi family", added Pandey.
Holi ki barat is another popular event of Daraganj. A group of people called 'holiar' perform puja at Beni Madhav temple in the locality. Thereafter they start their procession in which the participants sing and dance while playing dholak and manjeera. The barat (procession) is joined by others on its way and it covers the area of Bakshi bandh, Trimuhani, Adda crossing, Nagad Khana, Daraganj Police Station, and finally culminates at Beni Madhav temple--the place of origin. Several literary events are also held on the occasion including poets conference at Dhakadhak crossing.
"Paint and mud slinging is still not done in the area and neither any kind of obscenity is witnessed during the festival. People enjoy the festival and celebrate it with harmony", said Abhishek, resident of the area.
