Now, colors and gulal will fly on Rangpanchami… know why ‘Gair’ is special on Rangpanchami in Indore… a unique confluence of colors, grandeur and cleanliness
On the fifth day of Holi, as the color frenzy subsides in many parts of the country, the Rangpanchami celebrations reach their peak in Indore, the economic capital of Madhya Pradesh. The "Gair" procession here is not just a procession, but a living example of tradition, enthusiasm, and a social message. Significantly, with this grand festival of colors, Indore also strongly promotes the message of being a "clean city."
What is the "Gair" tradition?
Indore's "Gair" begins in the old city area, especially around the historic Rajwada. Thousands of people take to the streets together, accompanied by the beats of drums, DJ music, and a splash of colors. Large tankers and special vehicles spray colored water. People splash gulal, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of "colorful rain."
The uniqueness of "Gair" is that it involves participation from every section of society—businesspeople, youth, women, social organizations, and even the administrative staff. This festival has become a symbol of the city's collective energy.
A Message of Cleanliness with Colors
Indore has been declared the cleanest city in the country for several consecutive years. Therefore, the Rangpanchami procession isn't limited to just colors, but also carries a pledge of cleanliness.
Emphasis on Natural and Herbal Colors – The administration and social organizations urge people to use herbal or organic colors instead of chemical colors to avoid adverse effects on roads and drains.
Ban on Single-Use Plastic – Special monitoring is maintained on the use of plastic bags and bottles during the procession.
Public Awareness Campaign – Banners and messages related to cleanliness are displayed along the route of the procession—slogans like "My City, My Responsibility" remind people that cleaning up after the festival is just as important.
Cleanup Preparations: Responsibility Along With Celebrations
As soon as the procession ends, the Municipal Corporation team immediately springs into action. Hundreds of sanitation workers, modern road sweeping machines, and water tankers take to the streets.
Immediate Garbage Collection – Wherever paint, plastic, or other waste accumulates, it is immediately cleaned.
High-pressure washing – Roads and intersections are washed with water to remove color stains.
Drainage inspection – Drains are specially cleaned to ensure that color or debris does not obstruct drainage.
It is often observed that a road where thousands of people were playing with colors just a few hours ago, appears clean again by evening. This is the hallmark of the Indore model—celebration with full enthusiasm, and cleaning with utmost responsibility.
From tradition to inspiration
Indore's Rangpanchami procession proves that festival and cleanliness are not contradictory, but complementary. When the message of cleanliness resonates amidst the colors, it becomes an inspiration not just for one city but for the entire country. Color, vibrancy, and responsibility—Indore's procession is a wonderful amalgamation of all three. This is why Rangpanchami here is considered unique in the country and makes "cleanliness" an integral part of the celebration.