“Holi in Begum Bazar has its own vibe! Every year, my friends and neighbours gather here, and it feels like a tradition now. It always takes me back to my school and college days. In school, playing Holi wasn’t exactly allowed, but that never stopped us. We’d sneak in small packets of colour, and the moment the last bell rang, the battle began. Water bottles turned into mini pichkaris, and no one left school without at least a streak of colour on them.

Now, Holi is just as fun, but we’re a bit more mindful. We stick to organic colours, mostly out of concern for our skin and the stray animals around. But the celebration remains the same.

Holi has always been more than just colours—it’s about coming together, catching up with old friends and neighbours, and celebrating without any barriers. No matter how much things change, some traditions stay the same, and that’s what makes it special.”