'Holika Dahan'

The festival of colours is here. A splash here, a splash there, delicacies, friends, a get together, cricket, bhaang, a late night walk & a slumber that you can only enjoy once an year. For me, there was more to Holi than everything I just said.

As a kid, I enjoyed Holi eve called 'Holika Dahan' more than the real thing. Let me spare you the history behind it, but believe me, it was exciting.

At around 7 pm on Holi eve, youngsters in our colony would start collecting wood, fuel or anything even semi-combustible & make a heap (more like a well-structured pyramid) in a corner close to the huge playground. Its funny how the tradition had passed from generations, with the responsibility passing on from elders to the new kids on the block. I always wanted to join them & lend them a voluntary hand to build up the structure stick by stick. But my comrades and me had to wait till we were 'big enough' & to our chagrin, had to content with watching & waving from the window.

Our time did come in another couple of years. It was fun to act like responsible adults. As the tradition ran, we collected wood, fuel or anything even semi-combustible & made a heap (more like a well-structured pyramid) in a corner close to the huge playground. Since we had the muscle power available in the form of some sturdy volunteers, I remember us dragging an old fallen tree to the spot as well. While some donated generously, some shut doors at our faces. Misusing muscle power was against the rule, so after much convincing and mollifying, we chose to go by the book.

By around 11, the structure all set, we returned for dinner, while some kept watch.

And by 12, it was showtime! Even the memory of the moment still excites me. An adult used to light up the base, and we would clap, dance around & laugh out loud. Oh, what a sight it was, the moon dancing in the lake, the chill of the night, the warmth of the fire, the sparks disappearing into the starlit sky and gossipping with friends over roasted chana right out of the embers. The time just flew by sitting there, all our worries going up in smoke and a feeling of togetherness keeping us warm.

The team was particularly tired & sleepy, so after exchanging good nights, we were back home & off to bed.

And the next day:

"Trrrrrriiiiinnnng!", rang the doorbell.

Screams....

Splash!

"Holi Hai!!!"