KOLKATA: The complete removal of Covid restrictions coupled with Holi falling right after a weekend this year has led to "revenge" festivities - a nearly week-long period of mass celebrations making up for the last three muted Holis.
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Shopkeeper Bablu Shau and his family have been taking regular breaks to play with colour with neighbours at New Market. Covered in multi-coloured powder, his daughter has been taking turns watching over their stall while her parents partake in the festivities. "We celebrate every year. But now, without any restriction, the mood is totally different," said Shau.
He Tengyuan of the Chinese Consulate is gearing up for his first ever Holi in Kolkata, having arrived in the city in 2022. "This is my first ever Holi in this city. I cannot wait to celebrate without restrictions this year," he said.
While every neighbourhood has a few pockets of quiet patches comprising high school students preparing for their exams, college students have been returning to campuses to make the most of the post-Covid euphoria. "Last year, we had muted celebrations at Presidency University due to the fear of Omicron. Many were still wearing masks. This year, I have been observing the festivities at Jadavpur University and its neighbourhood. With music and colours, nobody is holding back. It is a week-long celebration," said research scholar Udayan Basak.
Actor Rajdeep Sarkar has planned a reunion with school friends. While on set, an uninhibited expression of Holi greetings and exchange of colour has also been taking place during shooting breaks. "It is fun to be celebrating with the same fervour of years ago. We had small celebrations at home over the last three years, but this time we will devote special time to playing with colour at a friend's house in Howrah," he said. He added that although concerned about the recent viral outbreaks, he and his friends are relieved by the return to the old traditions of celebrating Holi.