Spirit, fervour of Holi prevail over confusion about date

Jaipur: Holi celebrations in the city were subdued this year as confusion over festival dates led to split observances across residential complexes, resulting in smaller gatherings and early wrap-ups.While Rajasthan declared holidays on March 2 and 3, several neighbouring states celebrated Holi on March 4. The variation stemmed from the Phalguna Purnima coinciding with a total lunar eclipse on March 3, making Holika Dahan inauspicious in many regions that shifted celebrations by a day. Rajasthan, however, retained its original schedule. In many Jaipur societies, residents were divided. "Only around 80-90 people gathered on Tuesday morning. Several families from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh celebrated Wednesday instead. Our programme ended by 1pm, whereas in earlier years it continued till 3 or 3.30pm," said Achyut Parashar, a senior housing committee member in Mansarovar. Since Wednesday was a working day in Rajasthan, most societies did not permit public celebrations in common areas, forcing some residents to celebrate indoors. "The spirit was low. We didn't have food stalls this time due to poor participation. Being a Punjabi, I celebrated Wednesday, but inside our flat," said Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Mahapura. Water tanker suppliers also reported reduced demand. "Last year we supplied six to 10 tankers to large societies. This time, most ordered only one or two," said Hanuman Meena, a tanker operator.