Festival has an inclusive hue in Allahabad

ALLAHABAD: Having born and brought up here, I can vouch for Allahabad being the perfect ambassador of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.

Notorious for progressing at its own languorous pace, the city, nevertheless, stands out for succeeding in preserving the monopoly of celebrating every festival with its unique style and zeal.

When it comes to celebrating Holi, nothing can beat the spirit with which the residents of the Old City soak themselves in the colours of joy.

The unique tradition of playing ‘keechad wali holi’ in a Loknath lane on day 2 and ‘Kapad faad holi’ in Thatheri Bazar lane on day 3 is what every true-blue Allahabadi looks forward to.

Having grown up in Bans Mandi, a lane which was a stone’s throw from the famous Loknath area, I have been a witness to Holi hurdang since the 1990s.

However, coming from a community where playing colours was not encouraged as they could come in the way of offering namaz, Holi for me and the other kids of my faith was all about an evening get-together at the palatial residence of freedom fighter-cum-teacher Kedarnath Gupta.

...BUT WHAT IS STILL FRESH ARE THE MEMORIES OF “HOLY EVENINGS” THAT INCULCATED IN US THE IDEA OF INDIA.

Exemplifying the true spirit of the festival, it used to be a holy occasion where kids of all hues (faith, caste and creed) would enthusiastically compete in essay, elocution, quiz and painting contests.

The competitions — attended by over 100 children — were followed by a prize distribution ceremony where biographies of freedom fighters, eminent scientists and social reformers were handed over as trophies to the winners.

For students like us, who didn’t believe in winning contests by breaking the hearts of peers, it was the consolation prize that mattered.

And mind it, it was for all — a spread of gujia, papad, thandai and other Holi delicacies served with motherly affection by the aunties from the “Gupta uncle ki kothi.”

Gupta uncle, unfortunately, is no more. And his kothi has made way for a warehouse.

But what is still fresh are the memories of “holy evenings” that inculcated in us the idea of India.