Jamshedpur readies for festive Holi after 2 years of COVID lull

Traders hope for brisk business despite price rice

Manpreet Bhatia

Jamshedpur, March 16: The Steel City is geared up to plunge into the festivities of Holi colours with fervor after a two year hiatus induced by the COVID waves. Naturally then, the festive spirit is high to obliterate the datrk spell of coronavirus times. The zest is back with threats of the pandemic receding. People may have to shell out that extra rupee as prices of Holi colours, balloons, spray guns and festive caps are expected to be comparatively pricier.

Irrespective of people’s dilemma on whether to celebrate Holi on March 18 or on 19, make shift shops have cropped up in Bistupur, Sakchi, Mango, Jugsalai, Kadma and other locations of the city to add to the festive spirit.

Shops are stacked with varied Holi colours including herbal Gulal and Abir with spray guns better known as ‘pichkaris’ in difficult-to-choose from designs. But the prices have gone up by almost 20 percent at an average and denizens might feel the pinch on celebratory budget.

With just a couple of days to go before the festival, markets are flooded with buyers as COVID restrictions have been lifted and with new school sessions to commence from March 21, the weekend is bound to be a revisit to old times sans COVID fears that had put paid to colourful joys for two, long years of colorless living.

Bahubali and Modi water guns (pichkari) are a hit among children despite being costlier, say shopkeepers.

“There has been negligible business during Holi for the past two years but as COVID cases ebb the demand for Gulal, Abir  and water  guns has increased and we hope that this time the festival would be celebrated with the same enthusiasm it used to be celebrated during pre-COVID times,” said Raju Rajak, a trader in Sakchi.

“Even though Holi buzz is back, water guns, colours have become costlier by 20 percent. In the last two years, we were not able to do business due to COVID-19 fears and hence we are hoping for a bumper sale this time. With restrictions eased, demand has increased which has led to the jump in prices of Holi colours, water guns and masks.  Earlier the pichkari which we used to sell at Rs 80 are being sold at Rs 100 as our purchase cost has increased compared to earlier times,” said shopkeeper Jeetu in Bistupur market.

Alam, a shopkeeper in Kadma said, “The price of Bahubali and Doremon pichkaris has increased from Rs 80 to Rs 100 while small water gun now costs Rs 50. Water guns with Spiderman’s image on them are a hit among kids but its price has also increased from Rs 60 to Rs 80. Bahubali and Spiderman mask is also in high demand which costs Rs 30 and Rs 40 respectively”, added Alam.

A customer Pinky Manna said,” Price of Holi colours and water guns has multiplied but it has been two years that we have not been able to enjoy the festival of colours and naturally, we are geared up for a grand celebration this time. Children are demanding Bahubali water guns and masks which are a bit expensive compared to earlier times but we will have to accommodate the higher expenses because joy and happiness during Holi cannot always be evaluated with costs.”

“My friend has planned Holi bash at his home in Sonari for 10 families. It will be fun as the last two years have been tragic due to COVID-19 and with state government easing restrictions it will be great fun specially for children during the weekend as new session in schools will start after the festival from March 21,” said Raju Chopra, a resident of Bistupur.

On the other hand, the Golden Leaf Resort on NH 33 is hosting Holika Music Fest on Thursday, March 17 featuring DJ Wildkat from Russia, DJ Ravish, DJ Kawal and MJ Rakesh.

Sunburn is also organsing Holi reload on Thursday March 17 from10 am onwards at the rear lawn of Ginger Hotel in Bistupur. The tickets for the same are available on bookmyshow.com with price starting from Rs 20k for VIP Table with seating capacity of six people. The VVIP Table at the same venue costs Rs 50k for 15 people.