Some of the old traditions may no longer relevant in today’s modern way of life, but traditional Kumaoni Holi songs still assume significance for the Kumaonis here who despite their busy life schedule have been celebrating the colour of festival for many days amid folk music and dance and traditional Kumaoni Holi songs.
Though this Holi festival is also known as a colour of festival, tradition Holi songs praising the Radha and lord Krishna’s love life, assume special significance in these Holi celebrations. Youngsters may not be much aware about the traditional Kumaoni Holi songs and the festival itself, but they take part in this festival with same enthusiasm as the senior citizens do.
Holi is celebrated from our ancient times. But charm of this festival still continues to attract people from generation to generation, said K S Brijwal, an old hand in Kumaoni culture here. That is why it is vital on our part to celebrate our festivals with traditional gaiety and fervor so that the young generation could also be attracted towards our traditions, added Brijwal.
In the meanwhile, the way of celebrating the Holi festivals may not have been changed much, yet the modernity has influenced it to some extent. The fact is that earlier whereas special homemade colours were used in Holi celebrations, now the markets can be seen flooded with a variety of attractive colours.
More so, availability of pumps to spray colours in different designs and shapes in the markets have become a draw not only for children but also for the elders.
Most of these pumps are Chinese made, said a shopkeeper. There is no price tag on these Chinese made pumps. But applying their ‘good’ bargaining skills people can purchase pumps of their choice, added the shopkeeper.