Holi

Holi is over thank God.All our festivals have one thing in common,they are all loud,destructive and polluting.I really wonder why.For example,this Holi the children of the society decided (no doubt with their parents assent) to pelt each other with disgusting little plastic bags,rather than use the more traditional pichkaris.The bags are not only dangerous(people have lost their eyes) but create enormous litter.Also the fact that the thin plastic is totally illegal since it blocks drains and kills animals, makes for a really happy Holi for all.Im not sure I understand the psyche of the parents who allow their children to do this..and mind you these are the so called upper crust,intelligentsia of society.As far as sound is concerned,the new mantra is the louder the better.So in the next society they set up humongous speakers of a million watts and dance their hearts away,quite oblivious of the fact that the decibel level is killing,especially for the neighbourhood. Lest i forget,elsewhere trees,including protected mangroves are hacked down to light Holi fires the night before adding to pollution and reduction in our green cover.I wonder what it is in our genes that we tend to be loud,dirty,rude and generally obstreperous.Holi in the north is a nightmare,especially for women.And instead of improving civic sense its getting worse.If asked, people smile indulgently and say we are like that only!!! Oh well,on to the next festival.......