Holi has been a festival in Indian society that wasn't limited to colors alone. It was an opportunity to bridge the distance between people, wash away years of bitterness, and infuse new freshness into relationships. With the arrival of the month of Phalgun, a unique spirit permeated the atmosphere. The scent of gulal (coloured powder) wafting through the air, the laughter of children in the streets, and the melody of folk songs emanating from every home transformed life into a celebration.
But today's Holi looks quite different from the Holi of the past. Over time, society has changed, technology has advanced, and conveniences have arrived—but somewhere amidst these changes, the warmth of relationships has cooled. The colors are still there, but they no longer reach hearts. There was a time when Holi wasn't just a one-day celebration. Preparations began as early as Vasant Panchami. Phaag would resonate in temples, the beats of dhap and chang would resonate in the chaupals, and groups of singers would emerge from villages and neighborhoods. This togetherness was the soul of Holi.
Children used to gather in groups in neighborhoods to collect Holi donations. Even if someone refused, they wouldn't mind—they would move on, smiling and making others laugh. Applying color wasn't a crime, but a way to show affection. Even if someone scolded them, it was simply forgotten, considering it part of the fun of Holi. Today, those same children are confined to mobile screens, and neighborhoods have become devoid of communication.
The most beautiful aspect of Holi was that social distinctions blurred on that day. Rich and poor, young and old, friends and foes—all seemed painted in the same hue. Even enemies embraced. “Don't mind, it's Holi” wasn't just a sentence, but a social consensus that this day should be lived with open hearts.
Today, that phrase has become a joke. People are more concerned with protecting their boundaries than with colors. The fear of something untoward happening or a dispute arising has taken away the spontaneity of Holi. Earlier, delicacies were prepared in every home. The aroma of gujiyas, dahi-vadas, malpuas, and thandai would permeate the entire neighborhood. Neighbors' daughters-in-law and daughters were also considered members of their own family. Guests were welcomed with open arms. Today, celebrations are confined to the four walls of the home. A formal "Holi Mubarak" or "Happy Holi" has replaced the warmth of relationships.
Growing insecurity and distrust in society have also changed family behavior. In the past, girls would stay late at night with friends and relatives during Holi. Amid laughter, fun, and music, time would slip by without anyone realizing it. Today, those same things become a source of worry. Relationships are shrouded in suspicion.
Traditions are also slowly disappearing. Once upon a time, natural dyes were made at home from Tesu and Palash flowers. Women would mix the colors while singing folk songs, and children would wait eagerly. Little girls would make Valudiyas from cow dung and adorn them with garlands. These were not just rituals, but symbols of collective labor and creativity.
Today, commercially purchased chemical dyes have replaced those traditions. Convenience has increased, but emotional connection has diminished. Folk songs are now limited to a few cultural events. The tunes of Phaag and Rasiya, which once echoed throughout the month of Phalgun, are now rare.
The peace that followed Holi was once comforting. The pause that followed the splashes of water and the sounds of laughter brought fulfillment, not fatigue. Today, the celebrations end within a few hours, and society returns to its own closed worlds. In recent years, social tensions and divisions have further limited celebrations like Holi. Many families avoid leaving their homes on this day, even though the original purpose of festivals is to unite people and lift them away from fear and negativity.
Holi isn't just a festival of colors; it's a festival of forgiveness, a festival of reconciliation. It reminds us that being human means not just living for ourselves, but also laughing and connecting with others.
Today, we need to revisit Holi in its original meaning. Away from the noise and formalities, devote time to relationships. Let children play in the neighborhoods, give adults opportunities to meet each other, and don't let traditions become mere memories. Festivals give us hope. They break loneliness and provide a brief respite from the tedium of life. If we reduce them to mere rituals, society will become even more desolate. The colors of Holi will only deepen when there is a sense of belonging in our hearts. Otherwise, the colors will be washed off our hands, but the dust on relationships will only grow thicker.

Perhaps it is time to stop and think—
Can we bring back that Holi again?
Where relationships blossomed before colors?

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