In a considered appeal ahead of the festival of colors, cultural commentator Purushottam has expressed concern that the modern way of playing Holi is diminishing the festival’s sacred character and traditional ethos. He urged communities to draw inspiration from classical celebrations and restore the festival’s original spirit of love, harmony, and social unity.
Speaking on the significance of Holi, which is traditionally observed on Phalguna Purnima to mark the victory of good over evil, Purushottam noted that the festival is far more than a carnival of colors. “Holi is a sacred and ancient celebration of Hindu culture—one that carries mythological, cultural, and even scientific underpinnings that have bound society together for centuries,” he said, emphasizing that people from diverse castes, classes, and traditions have long celebrated the festival by setting aside discrimination and embracing togetherness.
However, Purushottam underlined a marked shift in recent years. While the palette of colors and party styles has expanded under the influence of modernity, he argued that dignity and purity have been compromised in many places. “There was a time when people applied abeer-gulal, sought the blessings of elders, and celebrated in a respectful, composed atmosphere, with folk music infused with devotion,” he observed. “Today, at numerous venues, vulgar lyrics, crude behavior, and a growing culture of intoxication have begun to undermine the festival’s dignity.”
Highlighting practices he considers alien to tradition, Purushottam pointed to incidents such as tearing clothes, rolling in mud, forcibly applying colors, and improper conduct. Such behavior, he said, makes many—particularly vulnerable groups—feel unsafe or uncomfortable, driving people indoors on a day meant for communal joy. “This is worrisome,” he stressed, “because Holi’s essence is to deepen love and goodwill, not to generate fear or inconvenience.”
Despite these concerns, Purushottam noted that traditional sanctity remains intact at several sacred centers. He cited Vrindavan and Mathura, where Holi is celebrated with a profound spirit of devotion, and Kashi, where the festival continues in alignment with cultural and religious norms. These places, he suggested, offer living models for communities seeking to recalibrate celebrations without losing vibrancy.
Calling for a collective reset, Purushottam urged citizens to eschew vulgarity, indecency, and substance abuse and return to graceful, courteous, and community-minded festivities. “If we celebrate Holi with dignity and mutual respect, the festival can reclaim its true glory,” he said, adding that the protection of culture and tradition is a shared responsibility.