Many shades of Holi: Colours, culture, and changing traditions in Pune

“Over the years, Holi celebrations have evolved. While modern parties make it more vibrant and inclusive, they often take us away from the roots of the festival. Earlier, Holi was celebrated in temple courtyards, with folk songs and organic colours, carrying stories from our scriptures. Through my performance, I want to revive that traditional flavour,” he said.

While the most evident sign of Holi are people drenched in colour, what often goes unnoticed are the many ways in which Pune celebrates the festival. While cultural events, such as Kapote’s Hori Ke Rang, mark one end of the spectrum, mega Holi parties being held across the city make up the other and herald changing tastes. This year, on March 14, people can celebrate at events, such as Barso Holi Carnival at Mayfield Eva Garden with Bollywood music, EDM and Hip Hop, and Holi Mohalla at Pyramid Lawns where Punjabi music and rap will also set the mood. For those looking for a high-energy Holi celebration, ‘Rang Barse 2025’ at Hindustan Antibiotics Colony, Pimpri, promises an electrifying experience.

It is a sensory experience of a different kind at the Ab-Normal Home, Kothrud, Holi is not just about colours—it is about experiences. The home, which shelters 36 visually impaired children, ensures that these kids enjoy Holi in their own special way. “Holi is a festival of joy, and we believe that every child should feel its magic in a way that is meaningful to them,” says Suraj Pawar, an organiser at the home. Since the children cannot see colours, celebrations are designed to let them experience Holi through touch, sound, and fragrance. Organic flower petals replace powdered colours, allowing the kids to feel the softness of the petals against their skin. Fragrant herbal powders infused with rose, sandalwood, and mogra create a sensory experience of colors through scent. “Holi is not just about playing with colors; it’s about feeling included, sharing joy, and making memories. We want to make sure every child here feels the spirit of Holi in a way that touches their hearts,” Pawar added.

Housing societies are embracing a safer and eco-friendly Holi. Many have made conscious changes to their Holi celebrations, prioritising safety, environmental sustainability, and tradition. At Kalpataru Estate, Secretary Chandrakant Kare explains how Holi has evolved, “Before COVID, our Holi celebrations were full of water balloons, synthetic colours, and large gatherings. But now, we have shifted to organic colours and dry Holi to ensure safety,” he says. This year, with concerns about Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) linked to chemical-based colors, Kalpataru Estate has taken extra precautions. They have set up an herbal ‘colour pit’ with dry flower petals, limited water use to symbolic sprinkles, and designated a ‘safe zone’ for senior citizens and young children. “We are bringing back the spiritual side of Holi with a Holika Dahan bonfire, bhajans, and folk storytelling,” Kare adds.