Let tradition and colour be the anthem this Holi

‘Ore grihobashi,

Khol dwar khol

Laglo je Dol’

‘O homebound

Open thy door

For Dol (Holi) is here’

Tagore’s song for Doljatra or Holi which is the anthem of the festival of colours in Shantiniketan and everywhere else where Bengalis celebrate dol, rings true this year.

This Holi or Dol is made more special by the advent of an early spring in the UK. While daffodils have started springing up on the sidewalks and parks, it is time to get ready for the festival of colours.

London based designer and the founder of the Indian ethnic brand, Roshni Mukherjee said: “There was a time when our mothers would save the tattered old clothes for Dol or Holi. However, the rule changed with the blessing of Bollywood, especially Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan’s rang-barse totally redefined Holi attire. Not the old, colour-faded attires, but white is the colour for you on the day of Holi as it allows the colours to display.”

From Rekha to Deepika Padukone, Holi attire in Bollywood films have been quite customarily and uniformly predominated by white. However, a full ethnic drape might as well have been replaced by jeans or a white top and shorts in recent times.

Roshni said: “a white Lucknow chikon kurta along with a bandni or multi-coloured chunri adorned with a pair of pyjamas or jeans looks just fine for the morning session of colours. However, the evening attire should be colourful and comfortable in keeping with the spring breeze.”

Myosutra’s kantha-stitch saree, which is ready to be launched in early March is a burst of colours and fine craftsmanship. Kantha-stitch being an artistry which finds its roots in Bolpur, makes the saree a reminiscence of Basanta Utsav at Shantiniketan. Hence, donning the saree is like carrying a piece of nostalgia on one’s shoulder.

Roshni said: “For those who do not want a saree, can still look as colouful in a Madhubani skirt and a colourful crop top. It is about celebrating the day of colour in the most vibrant way possible.”

With the streets and parks of London turning yellow with blooming daffodils and the sidewalks of Kolkata turning red at the same time with blooming polash and krishnochura, it is that time of the year to let loose all inhibitions and smear each other with the colours of love and affection. This year it is also time to celebrate a human touch.

Roshni concluded: “Maa used to smear my hair with oil before we went out to play with colours so that washing the colours off does not become a nightmarish task later. Maa’s ‘tattered oldies’ might be out of fashion for us now but not her wisdom and care. Something to moisturise the skin and hair before playing Dol or Holi is still a must.”