Last month Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan declared that the state was facing a drought worse than the one in 1972. He asked his party workers to reach out to the people and inform them about the government’s efforts to bring relief. There is an acute shortage of water and After Hrsdecided to initiate a Water-less Holi Campaign.
The film industry is always the first one to come out in support of any cause that affects the aam aadmi, and most people we spoke to agreed not to play Holi, or indulge in only-colour Holi, apart from pledging to save water in any way that they can. It is after all the festival of colours and not a festival of water.
Lata Mangeshkar: Maharashtra is suffering from one of the
worst droughts ever. Given the situation, any wastage of water is unthinkable. I request my fellow-Maharashtrians, my friends, well-wishers and colleagues to not waste any water this Holi. Even without water the festival can be great fun. I personally don’t play Holi.
Never have. But youngsters in our family do. And we’ll make sure they play a water-less Holi. It’s not just the wastage, it’s also those colours that are sprayed with water that are dangerous. If one doesn’t waste water in playing then one automatically doesn’t use up gallons of water to clean off the stubborn colours. Let’s conserve before even the drinking-water becomes scarce.
Saif Ali Khan: We all should save water but I don’t think
that’s my issue with Holi. Electricity, water and petrol should be saved. I believe in energy conservation. To save water I turn off the shower while I use the soap and shampoo. I read it on a card in a hotel bathroom and it made sense.
I haven’t played Holi in years. I used to love it as a kid because it’s a time where all the rules get broken, and visually it’s so unique and crazy! There used to be some amazing parties — Bachchans for example, but now I find it too mucky and I can’t get the colour out from under my nails for a week.
I think it’s a fun holiday, a great tradition of ours and can be a lot of fun. I have outgrown it though. I shudder to think about all the violence and attacks on women under the cover of Holi in some places unfortunately... May be a civilised Holi like Raj Kumar’s in Saudagar would be nice with just a bit of colour and lots of fun! It’s time we started having more civilised Holis and Diwalis? A bit of both I think as the water shortage is a cause for serious environmental concern!
Ajay Devgn: Being closely involved in the cause of
environmental conservation through my various ventures, I would definitely request all people to come together in saving water — one of the most precious resource we have today. In avoiding extensive water usage during Holi and small personal measures in our individual households we can go a long way to conserve this necessary resource for our future generations.
I have personally undertaken various initiatives at my home towards water conservation and appeal to everyone to pledge their support for this important cause. At my farmhouse in Karjat, we use borewell water.
We use water saved from the monsoons which comes to 2 lakh litre and that is sufficient for our farmhouse throughout the year. So we don’t need to use tanker water. At home in Mumbai, I have always advocated minimum use of water. I don’t use water while playing Holi and use only gulal.
Juhi Chawla: To be honest I do plan to play Holi with the
kids and friends with water and safe colours. But why just Holi? I am conscious about water conservation all the time. And try to save water every day in my own little ways. I avoid running taps unnecessarily, and I get all leaks repaired instantly. I buy linen and clothes which can be used without frequent washing.
Sonakshi Sinha: I would urge everyone to enjoy the festival of colour, but insist on playing a dry Holi keeping in mind the recent drought that Maharashtra is facing. Let’s all make it a combined effort to save water. It’s the least we can do. Have a colourful, waterless Holi.
Farhan Akhtar: Holi is a dear festival to many and is traditionally celebrated with colour and water. Our state is suffering a severe drought and the dire consequences of a water shortage has hit farmers hard. The least we can do is show solidarity by keeping this year’s Holi water-free.
Asin: I have always felt strongly about environmental issues. I have banned usage of plastic bags at home and work. I have been an advocate of water conservation since school. I keep telling my friends and family don’t misuse water considering global warming. I am not celebrating Holi this year and I fully support this cause. I don’t think it’s correct to celebrate when so many people are suffering today.
Riteish Deshmukh: I will support the cause. The drought is very serious this year, especially in parts of Maharashtra. I agree that festivals are meant to be celebrated but this year let’s be sensitive and save water. It’s a question of necessity over luxury. I won’t play Holi this year. I have been saving water in my personal life too as everyone individually needs to do their bit.
Suniel Shetty: We are all well aware of the drought situation in Maharashtra and know what the farmers and their families must be going through. I would urge everyone to keep them in mind, play a water-less Holi and even if playing with colours, go for organic and natural ones. Be generous towards our fellow human beings, save water and play a waterless Holi.
Raveena Tandon Thadani: We will be playing Holi, but we normally play an eco-friendly holi. Right from the beginning we encouraged the kids to play with eco-friendly colours. This year we will play a dry holi... only teekas and lots of fun. We need to teach our children to preserve and treasure nature’s gifts to us, and one of the most precious of them is water.
Tusshar Kapoor: The initiative has my full support, especially keeping in mind the recent drought that has highlighted the issue again. Water is as important as oxygen, so a water-less Holi is the best way to save for a safer future, but this is only the beginning. People must conserve water in every way possible. Why not make this a principle for every day in our lives?
Vivek Oberoi: This Holi, let’s think of our farmers who are battling the drought. Every drop of water is precious, water is life… Don’t waste it!
Sakshi Tanwar: I suggest that everyone should fill water and then use it for bathing, cleaning, washing etc rather than using running tap water which results in acute wastage. Don’t use washing machines unless absolutely necessary. Also, ensure you fill your glass with just the right amount of water you need to drink and not fill the glass, take a sip and discard the rest.
If you are staying in a hotel, for a couple of days, please restrict yourself from getting the bed linen, towels washed every day, as it will save gallons of water. After all you don’t wash your bed linen and towels everyday at home! Criminal waste of water. Avoid.
Shabana Azmi: This year we have pledged not to play Holi with water out of respect for the drought-afflicted state. We believe Holi can be a whole lot of fun without resorting to watery celebrations.
Rohit Roy: I have already decided not to celebrate Holi this year keeping in mind the drought situation in Maharashtra. I always feel it’s a criminal waste of water and this time I’ve resolved not to be part of this. Personally, we as a family, are already conscious of conservation of water, now will just be more frugal with using it.
Reema Kagti: Conserving water should be a priority this Holi considering the water scarcity, especially in rural areas. I will have have a water-less Holi, if at all.
Sudhir Mishra: It’s not enough to have just good intentions but also practice what we preach. I would support the cause and request for a water-less Holi this year. Wastage of water is not done. Apart from Twitter I have been asking my friends and family not to celebrate.
Varun Dhawan: Instead of using excessive water this year, we should try and play Holi with just rang.
Rajat Aroraa: Due to the drought too many people in Maharashtra have been left without water. So, this Holi the only water I use will be to make bhang!
Dino Morea: It’s ridiculous to have such frivolous events like water Holi parties when we have such a big economic and social issue today. It’s awful to read about the plight of the drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra. Let’s display some sensitivity towards our countrymen. A little more awarenes goes a long way.
Bhushan Kumar: I agree we shouldn’t waste precious water. Even while taking bath I think of saving water. It’s always on my mind. Currently I am in Spain and in the washroom it’s written ‘water is precious, do not waste it.’ Don’t waste water in Holi. It’s important we save it for drinking.
Ronit Roy: On a personal front, I have not played Holi for years. Without hurting sentiments, I gently request people to save water. Have a clean Holi.
Onir: I totally believe that during a year when more than a thousand villages across Maharashtra are facing severe drought we should be humane enough to celebrate Holi without wasting water. In the cities, we should be a little less selfish and conserve water by switching off fountains and not splashing in swimming pools. In a situation where millions don’t have water for basic survival it’s a very small sacrifice.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Maharashtra is going through a serious drought, and it’s necessary that we all realise the importance of water and save it. Holi is a festival of colours and that’s how we all should celebrate it too. So lets play Holi with gulal and save water not just on Holi but reduce wastage even in our day to day life.
Ram Kapoor: A water-less Holi is a fantastic idea. If I play Holi I’d definitely implement it.
Pooja Bedi: I feel very guilty about the prospect of playing Holi with the drought crippling so many lives. This is definitely a time to show support and exhibit common sense in using water resources.
Gurmeet Choudhary: I pledge not to waste water in shower. Instead a bucket bath that will save water. Also, this year we shall play dry Holi.
Shankar Mahadevan: I am a paranoid about wastage of water. I get very agitated when my maids leave the tap open more than required. If all of us do our bit the bigger picture would surely change.
Prasoon Joshi: I believe whenever we use culture to symbolically spread messages it’s very effective. Holi and water go hand in hand. Making it a dry Holi would surely sensitise people.
Anupam Kher: I don’t use water for celebrating Holi in any case. Now with a drought, beyond a shadow of a doubt it would be a dry Holi for me. For me Holi without a watery mess is real Holi.
Amole Gupta: This is the worst drought Maharashtra has ever faced. Forget Holi.
Victor Bannerjee: Wherever there is a scarcity of water it make sense to play a dry Holi. However, in places where the water level is not that low we can enjoy ourselves in the traditional way, keeping in mind the fearful scarcity of water. The only source of water is rain. The water wasted from taps that don’t close properly could quench the thirst of millions.
Rahul Dholakia: In fact in my forthcoming film Society there is a scene where people play dry Holi in a society to conserve water. Having said that, I must admit that as kids it was great fun playing Holi with water. But given the current situation it’s almost impossible to play Holi, with or without water.
Nikhil Advani:
Thousands of people have no water to drink. Farmer suicides are rampant due to the drought conditions. Can we really afford to waste water playing Holi for a few hours? The answer is obvious.
Chandraprakash Diwedi: It’s time we seriously save water. I won’t use coloured water to play Holi. I will also request friends not to use chemical colours, water balloons, etc. A bare minimum use of organic colours and a minimum application to the face would also protect the eyes from unexpected accidents and skin irritation.
Minissha Lamba: Holi is a festival of colours and happiness, so I try spending this day with my loved ones. I am not too fond of playing with water, so I try my best to refrain from it. And I urge people to do the same this year.
Anant Mahadevan: Milk overflows during Shiv Ratri, wood burns a day before Holi, and enough water to feed a state is wasted for the sake of a colourful celebration. What stops us from preserving our natural resources? Is this drenching of strangers in water and spraying them with unhealthy colours the only way to celebrate Holi? Let’s fill up the same water which we would have used for Holi in tankers and send it to the villages.
Raza Murad: I am all for a water-less Holi, and not only for water conservation but also because a wet Holi could be hazardous for the skin. The colours take much longer to be rubbed off .
Umesh Shukla: For the past eight-nine years I’ve played a water-less Holi. We pass a circular to that effect every Holi in our housing society. After we finish with gulaal we ask the kids to take a commune bath in an open maidaan. Woh log ghar pe nahaayen ya baahar nahaayen koi farq nahin padta.
Om Puri: I have been crying myself hoarse about the wastage of water in our country. In fact when I stay at luxury hotels during my outdoor shootings I tell the housekeeping not to take away the towels and bedsheets every day.
Do we change our towels and bed-sheets daily at home? Then why do so in luxury hotels? Do we realise how much water is wasted by the privileged classes? I sincerely advise against the use of colours during Holi. Why not smear haldi paste or colour made from green grass which are not harmful to the skin?
Sukhwinder Singh: I will only put chandan and kesar teeka to wish Holi. And no shaving with tap water, instead using a mug to save water.
The film industry is always the first one to come out in support of any cause that affects the aam aadmi, and most people we spoke to agreed not to play Holi, or indulge in only-colour Holi, apart from pledging to save water in any way that they can. It is after all the festival of colours and not a festival of water.
Lata Mangeshkar: Maharashtra is suffering from one of the
worst droughts ever. Given the situation, any wastage of water is unthinkable. I request my fellow-Maharashtrians, my friends, well-wishers and colleagues to not waste any water this Holi. Even without water the festival can be great fun. I personally don’t play Holi.Never have. But youngsters in our family do. And we’ll make sure they play a water-less Holi. It’s not just the wastage, it’s also those colours that are sprayed with water that are dangerous. If one doesn’t waste water in playing then one automatically doesn’t use up gallons of water to clean off the stubborn colours. Let’s conserve before even the drinking-water becomes scarce.
Saif Ali Khan: We all should save water but I don’t think
that’s my issue with Holi. Electricity, water and petrol should be saved. I believe in energy conservation. To save water I turn off the shower while I use the soap and shampoo. I read it on a card in a hotel bathroom and it made sense.I haven’t played Holi in years. I used to love it as a kid because it’s a time where all the rules get broken, and visually it’s so unique and crazy! There used to be some amazing parties — Bachchans for example, but now I find it too mucky and I can’t get the colour out from under my nails for a week.
I think it’s a fun holiday, a great tradition of ours and can be a lot of fun. I have outgrown it though. I shudder to think about all the violence and attacks on women under the cover of Holi in some places unfortunately... May be a civilised Holi like Raj Kumar’s in Saudagar would be nice with just a bit of colour and lots of fun! It’s time we started having more civilised Holis and Diwalis? A bit of both I think as the water shortage is a cause for serious environmental concern!
Ajay Devgn: Being closely involved in the cause of
environmental conservation through my various ventures, I would definitely request all people to come together in saving water — one of the most precious resource we have today. In avoiding extensive water usage during Holi and small personal measures in our individual households we can go a long way to conserve this necessary resource for our future generations.I have personally undertaken various initiatives at my home towards water conservation and appeal to everyone to pledge their support for this important cause. At my farmhouse in Karjat, we use borewell water.
We use water saved from the monsoons which comes to 2 lakh litre and that is sufficient for our farmhouse throughout the year. So we don’t need to use tanker water. At home in Mumbai, I have always advocated minimum use of water. I don’t use water while playing Holi and use only gulal.
Juhi Chawla: To be honest I do plan to play Holi with the
kids and friends with water and safe colours. But why just Holi? I am conscious about water conservation all the time. And try to save water every day in my own little ways. I avoid running taps unnecessarily, and I get all leaks repaired instantly. I buy linen and clothes which can be used without frequent washing.Sonakshi Sinha: I would urge everyone to enjoy the festival of colour, but insist on playing a dry Holi keeping in mind the recent drought that Maharashtra is facing. Let’s all make it a combined effort to save water. It’s the least we can do. Have a colourful, waterless Holi.Farhan Akhtar: Holi is a dear festival to many and is traditionally celebrated with colour and water. Our state is suffering a severe drought and the dire consequences of a water shortage has hit farmers hard. The least we can do is show solidarity by keeping this year’s Holi water-free.Asin: I have always felt strongly about environmental issues. I have banned usage of plastic bags at home and work. I have been an advocate of water conservation since school. I keep telling my friends and family don’t misuse water considering global warming. I am not celebrating Holi this year and I fully support this cause. I don’t think it’s correct to celebrate when so many people are suffering today.
Riteish Deshmukh: I will support the cause. The drought is very serious this year, especially in parts of Maharashtra. I agree that festivals are meant to be celebrated but this year let’s be sensitive and save water. It’s a question of necessity over luxury. I won’t play Holi this year. I have been saving water in my personal life too as everyone individually needs to do their bit.
Suniel Shetty: We are all well aware of the drought situation in Maharashtra and know what the farmers and their families must be going through. I would urge everyone to keep them in mind, play a water-less Holi and even if playing with colours, go for organic and natural ones. Be generous towards our fellow human beings, save water and play a waterless Holi.
Raveena Tandon Thadani: We will be playing Holi, but we normally play an eco-friendly holi. Right from the beginning we encouraged the kids to play with eco-friendly colours. This year we will play a dry holi... only teekas and lots of fun. We need to teach our children to preserve and treasure nature’s gifts to us, and one of the most precious of them is water.
Tusshar Kapoor: The initiative has my full support, especially keeping in mind the recent drought that has highlighted the issue again. Water is as important as oxygen, so a water-less Holi is the best way to save for a safer future, but this is only the beginning. People must conserve water in every way possible. Why not make this a principle for every day in our lives?
Vivek Oberoi: This Holi, let’s think of our farmers who are battling the drought. Every drop of water is precious, water is life… Don’t waste it!
Sakshi Tanwar: I suggest that everyone should fill water and then use it for bathing, cleaning, washing etc rather than using running tap water which results in acute wastage. Don’t use washing machines unless absolutely necessary. Also, ensure you fill your glass with just the right amount of water you need to drink and not fill the glass, take a sip and discard the rest.
If you are staying in a hotel, for a couple of days, please restrict yourself from getting the bed linen, towels washed every day, as it will save gallons of water. After all you don’t wash your bed linen and towels everyday at home! Criminal waste of water. Avoid.
Shabana Azmi: This year we have pledged not to play Holi with water out of respect for the drought-afflicted state. We believe Holi can be a whole lot of fun without resorting to watery celebrations.
Rohit Roy: I have already decided not to celebrate Holi this year keeping in mind the drought situation in Maharashtra. I always feel it’s a criminal waste of water and this time I’ve resolved not to be part of this. Personally, we as a family, are already conscious of conservation of water, now will just be more frugal with using it.
Reema Kagti: Conserving water should be a priority this Holi considering the water scarcity, especially in rural areas. I will have have a water-less Holi, if at all.
Sudhir Mishra: It’s not enough to have just good intentions but also practice what we preach. I would support the cause and request for a water-less Holi this year. Wastage of water is not done. Apart from Twitter I have been asking my friends and family not to celebrate.
Varun Dhawan: Instead of using excessive water this year, we should try and play Holi with just rang.
Rajat Aroraa: Due to the drought too many people in Maharashtra have been left without water. So, this Holi the only water I use will be to make bhang!
Dino Morea: It’s ridiculous to have such frivolous events like water Holi parties when we have such a big economic and social issue today. It’s awful to read about the plight of the drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra. Let’s display some sensitivity towards our countrymen. A little more awarenes goes a long way.
Bhushan Kumar: I agree we shouldn’t waste precious water. Even while taking bath I think of saving water. It’s always on my mind. Currently I am in Spain and in the washroom it’s written ‘water is precious, do not waste it.’ Don’t waste water in Holi. It’s important we save it for drinking.
Ronit Roy: On a personal front, I have not played Holi for years. Without hurting sentiments, I gently request people to save water. Have a clean Holi.
Onir: I totally believe that during a year when more than a thousand villages across Maharashtra are facing severe drought we should be humane enough to celebrate Holi without wasting water. In the cities, we should be a little less selfish and conserve water by switching off fountains and not splashing in swimming pools. In a situation where millions don’t have water for basic survival it’s a very small sacrifice.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Maharashtra is going through a serious drought, and it’s necessary that we all realise the importance of water and save it. Holi is a festival of colours and that’s how we all should celebrate it too. So lets play Holi with gulal and save water not just on Holi but reduce wastage even in our day to day life.
Ram Kapoor: A water-less Holi is a fantastic idea. If I play Holi I’d definitely implement it.
Pooja Bedi: I feel very guilty about the prospect of playing Holi with the drought crippling so many lives. This is definitely a time to show support and exhibit common sense in using water resources.
Gurmeet Choudhary: I pledge not to waste water in shower. Instead a bucket bath that will save water. Also, this year we shall play dry Holi.
Shankar Mahadevan: I am a paranoid about wastage of water. I get very agitated when my maids leave the tap open more than required. If all of us do our bit the bigger picture would surely change.
Prasoon Joshi: I believe whenever we use culture to symbolically spread messages it’s very effective. Holi and water go hand in hand. Making it a dry Holi would surely sensitise people.
Anupam Kher: I don’t use water for celebrating Holi in any case. Now with a drought, beyond a shadow of a doubt it would be a dry Holi for me. For me Holi without a watery mess is real Holi.
Amole Gupta: This is the worst drought Maharashtra has ever faced. Forget Holi.
Victor Bannerjee: Wherever there is a scarcity of water it make sense to play a dry Holi. However, in places where the water level is not that low we can enjoy ourselves in the traditional way, keeping in mind the fearful scarcity of water. The only source of water is rain. The water wasted from taps that don’t close properly could quench the thirst of millions.
Rahul Dholakia: In fact in my forthcoming film Society there is a scene where people play dry Holi in a society to conserve water. Having said that, I must admit that as kids it was great fun playing Holi with water. But given the current situation it’s almost impossible to play Holi, with or without water.
Nikhil Advani:
Thousands of people have no water to drink. Farmer suicides are rampant due to the drought conditions. Can we really afford to waste water playing Holi for a few hours? The answer is obvious.
Chandraprakash Diwedi: It’s time we seriously save water. I won’t use coloured water to play Holi. I will also request friends not to use chemical colours, water balloons, etc. A bare minimum use of organic colours and a minimum application to the face would also protect the eyes from unexpected accidents and skin irritation.
Minissha Lamba: Holi is a festival of colours and happiness, so I try spending this day with my loved ones. I am not too fond of playing with water, so I try my best to refrain from it. And I urge people to do the same this year.
Anant Mahadevan: Milk overflows during Shiv Ratri, wood burns a day before Holi, and enough water to feed a state is wasted for the sake of a colourful celebration. What stops us from preserving our natural resources? Is this drenching of strangers in water and spraying them with unhealthy colours the only way to celebrate Holi? Let’s fill up the same water which we would have used for Holi in tankers and send it to the villages.
Raza Murad: I am all for a water-less Holi, and not only for water conservation but also because a wet Holi could be hazardous for the skin. The colours take much longer to be rubbed off .
Umesh Shukla: For the past eight-nine years I’ve played a water-less Holi. We pass a circular to that effect every Holi in our housing society. After we finish with gulaal we ask the kids to take a commune bath in an open maidaan. Woh log ghar pe nahaayen ya baahar nahaayen koi farq nahin padta.
Om Puri: I have been crying myself hoarse about the wastage of water in our country. In fact when I stay at luxury hotels during my outdoor shootings I tell the housekeeping not to take away the towels and bedsheets every day.
Do we change our towels and bed-sheets daily at home? Then why do so in luxury hotels? Do we realise how much water is wasted by the privileged classes? I sincerely advise against the use of colours during Holi. Why not smear haldi paste or colour made from green grass which are not harmful to the skin?
Sukhwinder Singh: I will only put chandan and kesar teeka to wish Holi. And no shaving with tap water, instead using a mug to save water.
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