Colours
There is no curb on playing with colours without inconveniencing others. The following actions will invite police action:
- Hurling colour-filled balloons at pedestrians
- Throwing colours - dry or liquid - from highrises
- Forcibly smearing pedestrians with colours
- Discolouring parked cars
Noise
Loudspeakers or microphones cannot be used during Holi. Calcutta High Court has banned use of loudspeakers and microphones in the open during board exams. The ban is now in force as several public exams - such as Madhyamik, Higher Secondary and ICSE - are in progress. Violation of the ban would attract police action.
Helpline
To report any nuisance, call 100 (distress helpline) and 22143230/22141310 (Calcutta police control room).
Dry day
Thursday being a dry day, liquor would not be available at off shops, bars and restaurants.
Traffic
No traffic curb for Holi.
Transport
- Expect fewer cabs on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, taxis will be on the roads only after 2pm. On Friday, taxis will be on the roads since morning but fewer than on other days.
- Buses will be available till 8am in the morning and again after 2pm on Thursday.
Metro
Metro services will be available between 2.30pm and 9.45pm. Trains will run at 15-minute intervals. The last trains will leave the terminal stations at 9.55pm.
Police bandobast:
- Motorcycle patrols in lanes and bylanes
- Radio flying squads and Heavy radio flying squads would fan across the city to react to an emergency
- Special police pickets across the city to prevent untoward activities
- Police deployment at the ghats where people clean up after playing Holi
- Around 10,000-odd police personnel would be on duty across the city on Thursday and Friday
Friday Fun Parties
What: Rangleela 2015 in association with t2
When: March 6, 9am-4pm
Where: Vivekananda Park (south side of the park, near the chaat stalls)
What to expect: A Holi bash with DJ Akash going desi with Bhojpuri numbers, a 600sq ft rain dance section with a plastic pool, organic colours, hookah, thandai, chaats, pizzas, rolls and biryani!
Passes: Available on Bookmyshow.com, Priya cinema and many malls across Calcutta, at Rs 500 per person (children below five can come in free). Passes include entry, colours and thandai.
What: Pichkari Splash! Beach Bash in association with t2
When: March 6, noon-3pm
Where: Regency Lawn, Hyatt Regency
What to expect: A beach-themed Holi party with sand, beach umbrellas and props to make this Holi super fun. Dig into chaats, biryani, pizza, jalebi, rabri, kulfi, ice-creams and more!
To reserve: Call 033-25171425; Rs 1,299-plus per person
What: P for Party & Smirnoff Experience present Rang On in association with t2
When: March 6, 10.30am-3.30pm
Where: P.C. Chandra Gardens
What to expect: DJ Girish will belt out signature Holi songs. Kulfi, thandai, golas keep you cool while Vodka Phuchkas up the cool quotient.
Passes: Call 8420233224/8420233229; Rs 1,500 per person
What: Holi Rangoli 2015 partnered by t2
When: March 6, 10am-4pm
Where: The Lake Land Country Club
What to expect: Colours, thandai and bhang pakoras! DJs Akash, Ritesh and Kabir will make sure you keep grooving.
Passes: Available at mobile phone shop Masterjee (19/C Sarat Bose Road) and at The Little Donkey restaurant (22 Sarat Bose Road). There is a cover charge of Rs 800 for couples.
