Curated parties find favour with Gen Z in Steel City

Jamshedpur: A new Holi trend is taking hold in the Steel City, especially among Gen Z, as celebrations move from neighbourhood lanes to curated parties at gated apartment complexes, hotels and resorts. Over the past few years, and particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, organised pre-Holi events have become a preferred option for many young revellers seeking a controlled, entertainment-led experience.Entry passes for these events typically range from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. Most are scheduled on weekends, often up to two weeks before the actual festival, which holds deep cultural significance across the Hindi-speaking belt. A recent survey indicated that more than two dozen such parties are being planned in the city this year, with an expected footfall of several thousand, largely in the 18–30 age group. Last year, around 15 similar events were held, highlighting how quickly the format is expanding.
Food and beverage offerings are a major draw, with many organisers serving elaborate spreads alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Rashmi Tripathy, who is hosting a Holi event at a resort on NH-18, said the key attraction this year will be a swimming pool party on March 3 and 4, supported by enhanced security arrangements. Another organiser, Mohan Srivastava, said DJs and singers from Kolkata and Mumbai will perform, while couple passes include unlimited food and drinks.Model and actor Titiksha Pal said she prefers resort events for safety, citing concerns about harassment on public roads. College student Rohit Adhikary echoed the shift, saying he and his girlfriend chose a Bistupur hotel party for rain dance, music, and better amenities. At one pre-Holi event on Sunday, nearly 5,000 people gathered to celebrate with colours, music and refreshments.