Holi celebrations in Guwahati appeared unusually subdued on Tuesday, March 3, as the festival coincided with a lunar eclipse, prompting many residents to stay indoors instead of stepping out to play with colours.
Areas that usually come alive with music, water balloons and gulal during the festival remained largely quiet across several parts of the city.
Holi celebrations in Guwahati remained muted this year as the festival coincided with a lunar eclipse. Many residents across areas like Zoo Road, Pan Bazaar and Narengi chose to stay indoors, citing traditional beliefs associated with the eclipse.
Streets Across Guwahati Look Quieter Than Usual
From Zoo Road to Pan Bazaar and Narengi, several streets across Guwahati wore an unusually calm look on the first day of Holi.
Only small groups of children and youths were seen celebrating in some neighbourhoods and residential colleges. However, the vibrant crowds and loud celebrations typically associated with the festival were largely missing.
Residents said the rare overlap of Holi with a lunar eclipse influenced their decision to celebrate the festival differently this year.
Residents Choose to Stay Indoors
Many families in the city decided to avoid outdoor celebrations due to traditional beliefs surrounding lunar eclipses.
Speaking about the unusual quietness, Zoo Road resident Anindita Kalita said the family decided not to step out this year.
“This is the first time I am not stepping out to play on the first day of Holi because of the lunar eclipse. We have always heard from elders that it is not considered right to play during the eclipse period, so we decided to stay indoors this time,” she said.
Festival Celebrations Postponed for the Next Day
Although the eclipse was scheduled later in the afternoon, many residents preferred to postpone their celebrations.
A resident from Pan Bazaar noted that the streets felt very different compared to previous years.
“The roads are so empty today that it doesn’t feel like Holi at all. Usually by morning, the streets are full of colour and noise. This year, because of the eclipse, most of us have decided not to play,” the resident said.
Narengi Residents Also Skip Celebrations
Similar sentiments were echoed in Narengi, where some families decided to observe the day quietly.
Palki Deka, a resident of the locality, said they chose not to celebrate Holi due to the eclipse.
“We are not celebrating Holi this year because of the eclipse. We thought it would be better to avoid playing during this time and observe the day quietly at home,” she said.
Guwahati is expected to Celebrate More Actively the Next Day
Despite the quiet first day, many residents indicated that celebrations may shift to the following day once the eclipse period ends.
With the festival traditionally celebrated over multiple days in many parts of Assam, people are expected to gather again with colours and festivities once the eclipse passes.