Over the years there is a kind of shift in festival dates. Gradually the days of the festivals are getting a day extended. Like last few years the Holi festival is celebrated on the next days of full moon. But now due to certain unavoidable condition prevailing in the calendar the festival is celebrated the next days. India Festivals are generally determined by "tithis" i.e. lunar days of the calendar. These are based on the specific phase of the moon. Because the moon's cycle which is roughly 29.5 days does not match the 24 hour midnight to midnight cycle of our daily calendar, the start and end times of tithis vary, shifting the dates. Because of the change of dates there is low excitement of the celebration. But when it comes the festival celebration the market is all decked up with many colorful item.
Gone are the days when the celebration limits to water color and dry Gulal. The change of generation brings about multiple item to add glamours to the festival. While the spray paints bottle has already made their way to the market. Now the smoke tube's too making their way. Last few years I have seen they were abundantly used on the street to make the air colorful.
Our childhood days used to be limited with fee items, but now the market has many option, especially for the kids. There are designer eye glasses for kids and also the designer colorful hair to prevent any damages. As I walk to the market for some shopping, I can see multiple items being sold at throw away prices.
In our childhood we used to splash water colour using plastic bottles or through the tube's, but now there are many kinds of water guns available. All these item simply add a different vibes to the festive occasion.
Holi is a time when community members, friends, and neighbors forget their differences and come together, often using the phrase "Bura na mano, Holi hai" (Don't mind, it's Holi) to excuse mischievous behavior. And we are set for the festival tomorrow onwards.
In good faith - Peace!!
