Holi may have evolved into louder, flashier celebrations, but for many, its true charm still lies in gentle gulal, family rituals and childhood nostalgia. From mindful, eco-friendly traditions to heartfelt memories that refuse to fade, these celebs share what keeps the festival rooted in emotion, warmth and togetherness.Dhruvee Haldankar: I prefer celebrating Holi in a more traditional and mindful way. I play with dry herbal colours and flowers, and even spray a light perfume fragrance on the muladhara root, to the wrists of my friends and family as a sweet gesture. We enjoy simple homemade food like kadi chawal and sweets. Over the years, I feel celebrations have become louder and more party-driven, but I still love keeping it rooted in warmth and tradition. I definitely prefer dry colours and flower petals — especially fragrant ones like rajnigandha and gulaab. It feels gentle, beautiful, and environmentally friendly. I avoid water balloons and excessive water usage.Parleen Gill: Holi goes much deeper than just colours and fun. It symbolises forgiveness, new beginnings and letting go of past negativity. It’s that beautiful time of the year when people reconnect, mend differences and start afresh. There’s something very beautiful about gently applying colour on someone’s face — it carries warmth and affection. Water balloons were fun as kids, but now I lean more towards a mindful celebration. One of my favourite memories of childhood Holi is waking up early, feeling super excited, and planning strategies with friends the night before. There was pure innocence in those moments — no phones, no social media, just genuine laughter and running around the neighborhood. And of course, coming back home completely drenched and being welcomed with hot food and sweets; that feeling is unforgettable.
Parleen Gill
Shiwani Chakraborty: If I am in my hometown, I celebrate it like the old days. I stay in a colony-style area where there are several houses in a lane, so everyone visits each other’s homes to celebrate. First, we put gulal on our parents’ feet and take their blessings, then we go to our home temple and apply gulal to Lord Krishna. After that, nobody is even recognizable because you head out into the colony with friends. Everyone has their own groups. So, if I am in my hometown, I celebrate it like that.
Shivangi Verma: I prefer dry colours, especially gulal. Water balloons can sometimes hurt and waste a lot of water. Gulal feels safer, more festive, and also looks beautiful in pictures. As kids, we would start playing Holi early in the morning. I remember running around the society with my friends, completely drenched in colours, and then coming home tired but happy. Those innocent days were the best. Earlier, Holi used to be very traditional at home. We would do proper rituals, apply gulal to elders’ feet, take blessings, and then enjoy sweets. Now, of course, celebrations have become more modern with DJ parties and theme events. But I still like keeping the traditional touch alive.
Shivangi Verma
Megha Sharma: Holi, for me, has never been just a festival of colours — it’s a form of emotional cleansing. It symbolizes forgiveness, fresh beginnings, and letting go of whatever emotional baggage we carry. When we apply colours on each other, it reminds me that life becomes more beautiful when we embrace every shade — joy, pain, growth, everything. For me, Holi is a festival of healing and reconnecting. As a child, I celebrated Holi very simply — just gulal in my society, homemade gujiya, and that warm, homely feeling. Now, celebrations have become more party-style, with loud music and big gatherings, but honestly, I still prefer intimate and meaningful celebrations over anything too flashy. Glamour has increased, yes, but the real happiness still lies in togetherness.
Adrija Roy: I love starting the day with traditional rituals — applying gulal, taking blessings from elders, and enjoying homemade sweets. Later, of course, it becomes more playful with music and dancing. But for me, the emotional and family aspect will always be the most important. This year, it’s my first Holi with my fiancé, so it truly feels like a new chapter in my life.
Himanshi Parashar: Holi along with any festival means family time to me. I make sure to be at home in Delhi with my family whenever a festival comes up. I believe festivals are meant to bring families together. I manage my commitments and schedule accordingly every time.
Himanshi Parashar