For Jashank Mahesh Katiyal, Holi, the festival of colours, is an important occasion -- one he has always spent it with his family for as long as he can remember. “I have specially come back to Mumbai from Bengaluru to be with my parents and spend some good time with them.” As is the ritual, the 29-year-old will be applying colours on them and friends and neighbours. While the pandemic may have dampened spirits, it hasn’t changed much for Katiyal because as long as he is with family, his excitement remains the same. However, he does miss the fact that earlier the celebrations used to be bigger. “Now, group gatherings are avoided,” adds the marketing professional.

The last two years witnessed muted celebrations, especially for a festival like Holi, which is one of the most popular Indian occasions involving colour, music, dance and food. As the situation has improved now, Mumbaikars are leaving no stone unturned in making the most of it by visiting loved ones. While the size of groups may have reduced, the celebrations aren’t going to be small-scale or at least that’s what Mumbaikars like Katiyal tell us.