Bokaro: Revellers from all age groups with their dyed cloths and faces enjoyed the festivals of colours; smeared ‘Gulal’, splashed Colour on each other and exchanged sweets as a mark of the festivity of unity and brotherhood.
With ‘Gulal’ and countless ‘Colours’, Holi was celebrated with traditional zeal across the Coal and Steel belt of Dhanbad-Bokaro on Tuesday amidst tight security, no untoward incidents were reported.
People visited friends and relatives, gifted sweets besides smearing ‘gulal’ on each other’s faces while children enjoyed the day most by spraying coloured water using water guns and water-filled balloons on others.
Though, this holi, festival boozer, tipplers and occasional drinkers much enjoyed the festivity. The traditional drink bhang found losing its charm this Holi. More and more people found opting for liquor over the traditional drink.
Liquor sale ranks top this Holi, sold in ‘black’ in Bokaro and Chas. In a bid to sets the mood to make a splash with colours all brands sold for as high as 50 to 60 per cent from its print price here, said Shankar Prasad a tippler (resident of Marafari).
There is no control over the market, we are forced to pay a high price as its Holi, said Ishwar another buyer. “We have tried to contact excise department officials but none of them picked-up their mobile phone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Excise department sources said that there was an impressive increase in liquor supply and sales during Holi. There was an approximate 45 per cent increase in liquor sale during this festival, as compared to daily sales, he said.
According to the reports received over 21 people including one woman were injured in separate incidents in both districts on Holi; all accidents involved motorcyclists and most of the cases were drunk and drive.
On Monday evening people enthusiastically participated in the celebrations which began with lighting up of the bonfire known as ‘Holika Dahan’. The symbolic effigy of Holika, (the sister of Hiranyakashyapu– the demon king) was set ablaze at several places.
