In the election season, festivities also take on political hues. This year, the colours of Holi reflect political shades, with Modi sprinklers, Priyanka water tanks and Yogi masks emerging as top sellers in the market.
“Children want Modi pichkari,” said Bunty Yadav, a vendor in Gomtinagar. “Politicians are often seen on TV and in newspapers so children are familiar with them,” he added.
Father of a 12-year-old boy who purchased Modi mask and pichkari said, “There is no political atmosphere in our house but my son was adamant on purchasing Modi pichkari. Now I am also looking for Priyanka colours just to balance the situation.”
A shopkeeper in Hazratganj Aniket Gupta said, “Wholesalers as well as manufacturer know the public demand. In the election season, they pump in more such stuff.”
Modi pichkari, which is in high demand, ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 while Yogi mask costs Rs. 30. With Priyanka Gandhi’s debut in active politics, some stuff, including water tank and colour is available on some stalls. “Priyanka Gandhi entered UP politics recently, so manufacturers did not have much time to prepare Holi material featuring her,” said a vendor Ashutosh Shrivastava, adding, “Still, some material is available.
Besides this, people are also asking for colourful wigs. “Colourful wigs are available in the market and I am buying one to protect my hair from colours. Besides, it gives a colourful look,” said Divyanshu Singh, a Gomtinagar resident.
{{/usCountry}}Besides this, people are also asking for colourful wigs. “Colourful wigs are available in the market and I am buying one to protect my hair from colours. Besides, it gives a colourful look,” said Divyanshu Singh, a Gomtinagar resident.
{{/usCountry}}Lucknow is a wholesale market for surrounding districts. Wholesalers said retailers from neighbouring districts have also been asking for Holi products featuring politicians. “In the election season, everything is coloured with politics. Retailers’ first question is about Modi pichkari and Priyanka colour,” said Gautam Kumar, an employee of a wholesale firm in Lucknow.
Amidst reports of ill-effects of some colours, people have been opting for herbal colours. However, some synthetic colour packets are being sold with labels of herbal or natural colour.