Patna, March 7: Sixty-five-year-old Rasbihari Pandey has stayed away from Holi celebrations for the past five years. This year would have been the same, but for an invitation from HelpAge India to a pre-Holi bash at Eco Park today.

Usually, while Pandey’s kin leave house early to play Holi, he stays home alone. HelpAge ensured a better time this Holi for Pandey and 29 more senior citizens at the Holi Milan Samaroh. The organisation arranged a riot of colours for the senior citizens, who were excited to be part of it.

Pandey and group smeared gulal on each other, played harmonium, dholak, tabla and manjira and burst into folk songs.

A retired manager of State Bank of India, Pandey, said: “HelpAge India has taken a good initiative by arranging this Holi Milan Samaroh for us. The past five years, I did not celebrate Holi like I did before retirement. Back then I used to wait anxiously for playing Holi with friends and colleagues. After retirement, I thought I would not find people like me and take part in the colour fight ever. So, while my family members went out on Holi, I stayed at home. I am happy that I came to the Holi Milan today. All the people are of my age and I don’t mind playing Holi with them.”

Maya Sharma, a widow, also came for the pre-Holi celebration. Sharma, who lives in the Mahendru area, said: “I live alone for the past one year, as my elder son has left the house. How can I play Holi when I am emotionally insecure? However, when I received the HelpAge India invitation, I changed my decision, as they told me people of my age would play Holi at the event.”

Dharmendra Kumar Singh, state co-ordinator, HelpAge India, said: “We organised this Holi Milan Samaroh to make the festival a reason of joy for the senior citizens. They are mostly left alone at home on Holi. Through this programme, we wanted to spread the message that the senior citizens should be given proper attention so that they do not feel lonely on festivals.”