With Holi just around the corner, the city’s bustling markets are splashed with vibrant hues and a dazzling array of quirky pichkaris, scary masks, and herbal abir. But while the colours are in full bloom, shopkeepers hint at a slightly muted sales season this year.
Model : Rittija Gupta
Lock, load & splash!
This season, pichkaris are going the extra mile in creativity. Forget your usual spray guns—kids are eyeing some serious splash weaponry!
AK-47 pichkari – ₹550 (Because why not go full action-hero?)
Minion gun – ₹90 (For a ‘banana’-fied water battle!)
Crocodile gun – ₹50 (Chomp & splash!)
Pikachu gun – ₹50 (Pika Pika, splash splash!)
Hammer pichkari – ₹100-₹150 (Best way to
hammer your friends with colour!)
"Kids get amused by these pichkari guns. The
umbrella gun is new this year! But overall, sales are slower than usual," says Rajesh Singh, a shop owner.
Roshan Kumar, another vendor, adds, “These hammer pichkaris are selling like crazy—I have to restock constantly!”
Head-turning holi accessories
Why stop at colours when you can
look the part too? The market is packed with pagris, masks, and more:
Pagri – ₹60 (For that royal Holi look)
Ghost mask – ₹90, ₹120, ₹150 (Scare before you splash!)
Batman mask – ₹30 (Holi hero, anyone?)
Abir – ₹50-₹70/kg (Because no Holi is complete without a little gulal magic!)
Herbal Abir -₹20 for 100 gm
But despite the riot of choices, some shopkeepers note a shift in enthusiasm. “Sales are low this year; a lot of people are getting conscious and are not playing Holi as much,” says Umakan Ray, a shopkeeper.
Holi hai! but play safe
Do:- Use eco-friendly, skin-safe colours.
- Wear protective glasses to avoid colour in the eyes.
- Hydrate and moisturise before stepping out.
- Respect boundaries—play with consent!
- Keep pets away from harmful colours.
Don’t:- Force anyone to play if they don’t want to.
- Use chemical-based colours that can cause allergies.
- Waste too much water—go for dry colours or organic sprays!
- Chase or trouble strangers with colours.
- Throw water balloons at moving vehicles—safety first!
Where to get the best deals
For the widest variety of pichkaris, abir, and festive accessories, head to:
- China Bazar – Best for quirky pichkaris and Holi gadgets.
- Janbazar – A hub for traditional abir and Holi essentials.
- Baguihati – Great for budget-friendly options and masks.
- Bidhan Sarani – Known for unique Holi accessories and vibrant colours.
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