Fagu Purnima, Phagua or Holi as it is celebrated throughout the country is one of the great Hindu festivals and is observed by people of all communities alike. The festival, also popularly called the festival of colours, symbolises the victory of good over evil, and marks the beginning of the spring season. Holi, which usually falls on the full moon day, usually in the month of Falgun, has many stories attached to its origin. And they all encourage us to preserve our cultural values and foster a feeling of brotherhood among fellow human beings. Apart from the religious significance that is attached to the festival, there is also a common belief that even enemies sweep aside their enmity and become friends during Holi.

People smear each other with colours, eat delicacies and exchange warm greetings. However, in the capital, the festival instead of inspiring a sense of celebration and love has become something to dread. People start throwing balloons filled with water, sometimes dirty water, at unsuspecting passers-by, specially girls and women, days before the festival actually begins, which not only spoils the spirit of the festival but gives way to uncalled-for enmity. Moreover, consuming excessive cannabis — considered to be a part of the festival — has at times soured friendship into enmity. The government should discourage such activities and prevent this otherwise pleasant festivity from turning into a rowdy affair.