Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 12 COVER STORY ˨HOLI SPECIAL March 6, 2026 W ith the festival of colours just around the corner, the markets of Jaipur are already abuzz with Holi festivities. Amid the growing enthusiasm among buyers, the ‘Rajwadi Gulal Gota’ is being sold in abundance across the Manihar Street. With their vibrant hues, the gulal gota appear beautiful and are used with dry colours on Holi. People often purchase them as a tradition, as well as a hobby. Speaking about the same, Nusrat Jah- an, a Gulal Gota artisan told ANI, “They are originated from the royal families and now common people play Holi with the Gulal Gota. They are very soft and don’t hurt anyone while playing.” Creating these Gulal Gotas includes a methodical step-by-step process where lac shells are created by heating the lac- quer used in bangles. These shells are filled with dry gulal and carefully sealed. The entire process is done by hand. Each Gulal Gota is lightweight to avoid hurting anyone while playing Holi. According to Jaipur artisans, only a limited number of Gulal Gota can be made in a day, so the pressure increases as demand increases before Holi. As Holi approaches, the demand for Gulal Gota in- creases exponentially. Shopkeepers shared customers have already booked their orders for Gulal Gota. Due to the high demand, preparations begin about two months in advance. These Gulal Gota are being specially packaged and shipped not only to Jaipur but to many other states across the country, and are even exported abroad. Mohammad Sabir, an artisan shared how playing Holi with Gulal Gota have been passed on from their ancestors. “The Gulal Gotas are nearly 280- year old and were only made for the kings and royal families. Over the past 10-15 years, they have be- come famous among the common people,” he told ANI. A part of the traditional Holi celebrations, they also stand as a symbol of mutual brotherhood and shared culture. Gulal Gota created by Muslim artisans, adds color to Hindu festivals. This tradition is becom- ing a beautiful example of Jaipur’s Ganga-Jamuni culture. With high demands in India and abroad, a Muslim family in Jaipur has been making the ‘Rajwadi Gulal Gota’ for seven generations, bringing colour to Hindu festivals. The tradition also serves as a beau- tiful example of Jaipur’s Ganga- Jamuni culture. -ANI Holi Fever Grips Jaipur Markets As Artisans Bring Tradition Alive With ‘Rajwadi Gulal Gota’ PHOTOS:ANI Playlist: Five Songs That Set The Perfect Mood For Holi 2026 W ith Holi 2026 just around the corner, the festival of colors is once again calling for loud speakers, open terraces and a playlist that can instantly lift the mood. If you’re stuck between too many options, here are five Bolly- wood songs that never fail to bring the Holi energy alive perfect for dancing, laughing and getting drenched in color. RANG BARSE No Holi playlist is complete without this evergreen classic. Amitabh Bachchan’s playful vocals and the song’s cheeky lyrics make ‘Rang Barse’ from the 1981 Hindi film ‘Silsilaa’ must-play year after year. Whether it’s playing in the background during family gather- ings or blasting during a full-on colour fight, this song instantly signals that Holi celebrations have officially begun. BALAM PICHKARI If you want to add youthful energy to your Holi party, this Ranbir Kapoor–Deepika Padukone hit does the job effortlessly. With its fast beats and vibrant visuals, “Balam Pichkari” is ideal for group dances and late-morning madness. It’s the kind of song that gets everyone, even the shy ones, onto the dance floor. HOLI KE DIN There’s something timeless about celebrating Holi with “Holi Ke Din” from the 1975 blockbuster ‘Sholay’ . This classic brings nostalgia, warmth and joy all in one. It works beautifully when you want to slow things down a bit, sing along with family, or simply enjoy the festival’s old-school charm while sipping thandai. DO ME A FAVOUR LET’S PLAY HOLI Loud, energetic and unapologetically festive, this song is perfect when the celebration - Continued On Page 14 Rang Barse PHOTO:SOURCE:YOUTUBE/@YRF PHOTO:SOURCE:YOUTUBE/TSERIES PHOTO:SOURCE:YOUTUBE Balam Pichkari Holi Ke Din