Spectrum Tower, opposite the new Police Commissioner’s office in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, became the centre of Holi cheer as the volleyball group, the riverfront walking group, the Jai Bhole group and Maheshwari friends gathered to celebrate the festival together.
Gulal, Colour and Fellowship
Those taking part smeared each other with gulal and colour, sending out a message of fellowship.
Dancing to the Beat of the Dhol
Everyone was on their feet, dancing to the beat of the dhol and to Holi songs.
Tea and Snacks Together
After the dancing, all sat down together over tea and snacks, which gave the gathering a warm, informal feel.
The Role of Informal Groups
Informal groups such as a volleyball group or a riverfront walking group are an interesting feature of city life. They are not built around caste or community, but around a shared interest or daily routine. Their coming together at festivals shows that new forms of social connection are taking shape in the city too.
The Gulal Tradition
Celebrating Holi with dry gulal has become more common in cities, because it saves water and washes off easily. Many groups now use only natural colours.
