Ruhi's Holi

Children eagerly awaited the festival of Holi. "This time, Papa has promised a special longrange pichkari which has a water tank attached to it so that I can spray water endlessly without having to refill it," boasted Vinayak.

- Dr. K Rani

"I will play Holi with dry colours. Last time, I got a fever after getting soaked," said Siya.

"I enjoy Holi by soaking in water and applying lots of colours. It doesn't feel like Holi when its played with dry colours," said Paras.

"Tell me, Ruhi, what are your plans for Holi?" Vinayak asked.

"You know, Dadiji, my grandmother, passed away a week before Diwali last year," Ruhi said sadly.

"Will you celebrate Holi this time?" Paras asked.

"It depends on Dadaji, whether he wants to celebrate or not," Ruhi replied.

"In our house, after the elders pass away, there are no auspicious functions for two weeks. After that, we celebrate festivals as usual. My grandfather says that we should accept happiness throughout the year.

The departing person finds peace after seeing his family happy," Vinayak said.

"Holi is my favourite festival. I loved it when our faces were covered in colours and unrecognisable last time. Everyone looked the same," said Ruhi.

"That's correct. There's less worship and more fun in it," Vinayak said.

"This is the first festival in my house after Dadiji passed away. I don't know how Dadaji will react," Ruhi said, sadly remembering her grandmother, whom she loved a lot and now missed dearly.