People celebrate Holi at Begum Bazaar in Hyderabad on Friday.
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Hyderabad was painted in hues of bright colours as Holi festivities swept the city, bringing streets and neighbourhoods to life with music, dance, and aroma of festive treats.
The city hosted a range of Holi parties across key areas such as Begumpet, Gachibowli, Hi-Tec City, Miyapur, Secunderabad and Necklace Road, where revellers danced to upbeat music, soaked themselves in colour, and indulged in samosas, chaat, buttermilk, and gujiya.
In Begum Bazaar, the heart of Old City, the festivities began early on Thursday evening. Children and youth were seen chasing each other with vibrant shades of yellow, blue, and green, turning the narrow lanes into a patchwork of colour.
Pavan A., a B Tech student from Trimulgherry, shared his experience at ‘Rang De Basanti’, an event at Begumpet Hockey Ground. “The vibe was amazing with a rain dance section, a DJ spinning Bollywood, English, and Telugu massy songs, and a crowd of around 1,500 people,” he said.
Pavan had booked his ticket online for ₹300. “There were stalls selling thandai and snacks, and special tickets came with food coupons for an extra charge. The event ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. I was there for about an hour,” he said.
Roads were calmer in terms of traffic, but commuters and people on metros carried the evidence of the day’s joy on their brightly stained faces and clothes.
For Chaman Chandra, a private employee from Bollarum and a native of Bihar, Holi was a nostalgic blend of tradition and festivity. “Holi in our community was nothing short of spectacular. We started with a DJ party in the central park, dancing to high-energy beats, followed by a thrilling rain dance and playful water balloon fights,” she recalled. “At home, my mom prepared a delicious spread of Bihari specialties, including kadhi chawal, assorted pakoras, dahi vada, gujiya, and malpua.”
Pranay Jain Godha, a software employee from Attapur, celebrated Holi with his family in eco-conscious style. “All my cousins were back home, and we decided to stick to dry Holi with herbal colours. We visited each other’s homes, applied colours, and exchanged wishes. Kids, aged between six and 10, joined us in a small rally. We wrapped up the afternoon with a hearty lunch of puran poli.”
For Pranay, Holi is extra special. “I am lucky to have been born on Holi, and get to celebrate my birthday and Holi together,” he smiled.
Anmol Patni, a businessman from King Koti, celebrated the festival with his family and friends. Kanji vada and thandai were the highlight of his day. “Holi is more than just colours. It reminds us to embrace life with childlike enthusiasm, and let go of the past,” he said.
Long weekend
With Holi falling on a long weekend, many took advantage of the break to plan short vacations and getaways with family and friends. Social media was flooded with posts of people celebrating amidst scenic hills and sunny beaches, with vibrant gulaal in the air and colourful backdrops.
Published – March 14, 2025 09:27 PM is
