With the decline in cases and the lifting of several restrictions by the government, Holi celebrations have started a few days back in many areas of the city. Gated complexes and housing complexes have prepared elaborate plans for Holi parties.
While some have hired DJs to perform music during the celebrations, others are planning to set up food stalls. Dance floor and rain dance have also been arranged in big complexes.
This has come as a shot for many industries and individuals serving during the festival. In 2020 and 2021, most housing complexes and other organizations canceled Holi celebrations over security concerns. This meant loss of earning opportunities for many people.
Nimesh Agarwal, who owns an event management company, has been roped in by several housing complexes in South Kolkata to provide DJs. Holi Party Which will continue till Sunday.
“In the last two years we did not get any business during Holi as all parties were canceled due to the first and second wave. But this year many parties are happening as the cases are less and the government has relaxed many restrictions. I will be providing DJ for several parties for the next three days. Many youngsters working as DJs in my company will get an opportunity to earn,” said Agarwal.
A hallmark of the Holi festival is the pre-Holi gathering on poetry sessions and comic acts. Banquet halls have been booked every day at Burabazar, MG Road, Kankurgachi, Lake Town and Salt Lake for the Holy Get-Together. Since last weekend, this year many groups are organizing get-together.
Akash Tripathi, who performs stand-up comic acts at weddings and parties, has been busy performing at several Holi get-togethers since the past one week. “On an average, I am performing in two parties every day this Holi. In the last two years, I did not receive any bookings. Since these Milan celebrations are taking place after two years, the organizers are ready to pay well,” Tripathi said.
The housing complexes are arranging community breakfast and lunch for which they are hiring cooks and decorators. “All the members of our housing complex will have breakfast and lunch together. It will be prepared on the premises itself by the cooks hired by us,” said Paramita AdhikariSecretary of the Cultural Wing of Green Wood Sonata in New Town.
Several temporary shops selling paints, water guns, headgear and masks have come up in various neighbourhoods.
“Sales this year have been very good as compared to the last two years. Holi enthusiasts are buying different colours, caps, water guns and masks,” said Anil Singh, who has set up a shop on Kalakar Street.