Many plan Holi outside state, womensay it’s more colourful after liquor ban

Patna: In a dry state Bihar, several people are planning to celebrate Holi outside the state where they could enjoy the festival of colour with few pegs. However, women folk say Holi for them has become all the more colourful after prohibition in the state as they could move around easily without fear of encountering drunkards on the road.Amongst those moving outside the states are mainly youngsters, who go with their friends to the neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. For instance, 27-year-old Boring Road residence, Shashi Singh, would be going to Mathura this time to celebrate Holi. Singh said he would move two days before Holi and come back after the festival. “In most of the festivals, we move out and celebrate,” said Singh, adding on earlier occasions he had been to Goa and Banaras. When asked about the reason for going out of the state, Singh replied, “I feel the charm which needs to be there in the festivals. Again Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is famous.”Just like Singh, another 29-year-old Ankur Yadav has planned to go to Tilaiya dam with his friends ahead of Holi. Yadav said his native place is in Nawada district and it takes him one and a half hour to reach the spot. “Tilaiya is a beautiful place and we enjoy boating and good food in that serene environment,” said Yadav, adding on the day of Holi or a on the night of Holika Dahan his group will be back to cerebrate festival with family members.Even for 42-year-old Amit Kumar of Boring Road, Jharkhand, is the place he opts for to celebrate any festival. Amit said his relatives including his cousins stay in Ranchi and he moves there and enjoys festivals with family members.However, women folk said their Holi celebration has multiplied ever since prohibition has been implemented in Bihar. “I remember how some people used to create nuisance on road after getting drunk. We were never allowed to move out from house on Holi. But now the situation has changed. While no one dares to drink openly, those who consume alcohol, they do it quietly at home and do not dare to move around,” said Rajiv Nagar resident Aditi Mishra.Same was the experience of Sandhya, who resides near Kanti Factory. “I grew up near the Dinkar roundabout. I remember sitting on the balcony and seeing people tearing each other's clothes or meeting with accidents after consuming too much alcohol. But now there is peace and a sense of security for us.”