Holi hey jee holi hey

Just a few weeks away from the D-day the wild and irrestible Palash trees flower in full bloom announcing that holi is round the corner. The harsher the sun the more radiant are the flowers- almost showing a defiance and anger at mother nature. It is because of this quality that Palash is also known as the "flame of the forest."

I was passing through the forests of Jharkhand when I spotted these magnificient flames.

Villagers tell me that long before synthetic clours came, palash flowers were used to make colours which are very strong and safe.

I also do not agree with those who use this festival to make an "intellectual" or a "political" statement and state as to why they will not play Holi this year. For God's sake which year in the history of our civilisation have we not witnessed natural calamities, terrorist attacks, death and mayhem!!

For me it's time to shout, " Holi hey jee Holi hey, Lalajee kee dhoti....."

Happy Holi to you all.