Holi Diaries : A Vibrant Tale of Tradition, Food & Love
Growing up, I was always excited for Sammat day, especially when it came to savoring the traditional Bihari cuisine. The night before, our home would be filled with the aroma of specially prepared dishes like Curry Badi, Taruwa, Aloo Gobi ki Sabji, and steaming hot rice. The flavors were truly incredible, and it's a memory that I cherish to this day.
What I miss the most is watching my mom prepare Bada and Pua on our traditional earthen stove. It instantly transports me back to a bygone era when she would lovingly cook these delicacies with my grandparents on the evening of Sammat. Those memories are truly priceless.
The simple act of cutting dry fruits to serve guests on Holi and to garnish our traditional 'pua' still evokes a unique and festive atmosphere. The ritual itself has a distinct charm that never fades.
The memories of Holi mornings spent at home are still etched in my mind. I miss the intoxicating aroma of 'pua & dahi bada' being prepared by my mom, the distant sounds of Holi songs filling the air, and the excitement of my dad rushing out to buy meat for the celebrations. Those vibrant vibes are what I'm missing the most.
My brothers would always bring home a delightful assortment of vibrant colors, humorous Holi masks, and pitchkaris (water guns), which would instantly transport me back to my childhood. Even now, surrounded by these festive treats, I feel like a carefree kid again, filled with excitement and joy.
Some of my fondest Holi memories are of dancing with friends and neighbors, surrounded by vibrant colors and infectious energy. And to make the celebration even more special, my brother and his friends would prepare a delicious batch of thandai, which was always a highlight of the day.
The Holi celebrations would often stretch late into the afternoon, and the aftermath was just as enjoyable - the struggle to remove the vibrant colors from our skin and hair was a fun-filled challenge in itself!
The frenzy of preparing our home for Holi celebrations was exhilarating! We'd rush to change the bed sheets, cushions, sofa covers, and give the house a thorough cleaning, all while getting ready to play with abir. What's more, our home would be filled with guests from early evening till 11 pm, and we'd somehow manage to sneak in visits to our neighbors' homes in between the gaps - it was a delightful chaos!
One of my favorite Holi traditions is going around the neighborhood with my cousin, and sometimes close friends, to take blessings & savor the delicious Holi dishes prepared by other in the evening. We'd relish each bite with so much love and enthusiasm, making the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
And, of course, no Holi celebration would be complete without a fun-filled photoshoot! Capturing the vibrant colors, joyful moments, and memorable antics with family and friends was an essential part of the celebration, preserving the memories for years to come.
The day after Holi was always a subdued and quiet day for us. I would inevitably feel a pang of sadness, thinking, 'Holi is over now.' The post-celebration blues would settle in, and I'd miss the vibrant colors, joyful chaos, and festive atmosphere that had filled our lives just a day before.
For me, the most unforgettable and joyous Holi celebrations have always taken place in my hometown, within the warm and familiar surroundings of my mohalla (neighborhood), and most of all, in the comfort of my own home, surrounded by loved ones.
This year, I unfortunately couldn't make it back home for Holi, but I've already made a promise to myself to return next year and celebrate with the same unbridled enthusiasm we always had. For me, Holi embodies the essence of excitement, playfulness, and fearlessness. It's a chance to shed our worries and inhibitions, and live a day with unbridled joy, as if we're experiencing it for the first time.
Simran Sikha
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