8th March, Mumbai: It’s that time of the year when our hearts and surroundings become vibrant and colourful. Then of course there is good food, drinks, fun and loads of good times with loved ones. Holi or the festival of colours has its own significance and is celebrated widely in India and across the world. Actor Hansa Singh shares her Holi memories, plans and whether over indulgence this year will affect the water crisis in Mumbai.
“Definition of Holi changes every year. But yes, the best Holi celebrations of my life are the ones from my childhood. With friends and families, we spent the best festival of colours, had gujiyas, and did dher saari masti. To get ready in the whites (which you can throw away post Holi), roaming around with friends on the streets, visiting their houses to greet their family etc were so much fun. After coming back home we did a thorough cleaning of ourselves and our clothes which took hours (laughs). It was the most dreaded part of Holi. Now I stay in amchi Mumbai. It’s more to do with people in fraternity, like a chore, no warmth just the presence. Now it’s more of an event, to meet all and feel the fun. This year, ‘no plans’ is my plan for Holi,” she says.
Covid is the reason why most of us could not enjoy this festival with open arms. Now that things are getting better, we all want to enjoy some good time with that one person with whom we have not met for long. Hansa too shares her experience and wishes.
“If wishes were horses I would have loved to play Holi with that one person who has my heart but Kahan hai woh,” she sounds nostalgic.
Mumbai is going through an acute water crisis. “Holi and water go hand-in-hand. No matter the crises, people will still go overboard celebrating the festival. That’s how we are. Yet, I would prefer to save water as without it our life is doomed. So, I would request people to be conscious and act responsibly,” she urges.