Celebrating Holi with a difference

AHMEDABAD: Thousands of kilograms of wood will be burnt as the state celebrates the holy festival of Holi. But there are many people who want to respect the Mother Nature even as they offer their prayers to Goddess Holika.
Dharmesh Brahmbhatt, an insurance official residing on S G Highway, has decided he will not buy firewood to light the Holi fires."My mother has decided that the fire will be lighted using cow-dung discs. The fire may not be as big as that lighted using wood but it will be enough for the ritual. I cannot wastev wood as I teach my children that environment needs protection", says Brahmbhatt.
Dr Rajal Thakar, a gynaecologist who is a die-hard nature conservationist says that she and her mother have decided not to use colours during the Holi festivities. "We are also not going to light the Holi fire. We will conduct pooja in the house, pray and apologise the Goddess for not lighting the fire", says Dr Rajal.
Averse to using chemical colours, Dr Rajal's family has also used Kesuda flowers collected from their farmhouse in Bopal and will spray its coloured water on the visitors! Even the youngsters are joining hands and vouching for an environment friendly Holi. Youngster like Parth Bhatt, a resident of Satellite says, "Our group of 10-15 friends have decided not play with colour at all. We also do not prefer to burn wood as it only adds to environmental pollution and are trying to create awareness among the residents here for the same."
Bhatt says, "It is sad to see indiscriminate felling of trees for the Holika. we are already witnessing the global warming effects." Another, Holi enthusiast Netra Parikh, said, "Wherever I am during Holi I make it a point to come here for the festival. We have lots of fun with our group and celebrate the festival in complete environmental friendly way."