A village in Haryana where Holi is all holy

YAMUNANAGAR: At a time when those in other urban and rural areas plan revelries and parties, the residents of Mandhar village conduct meetings, organize prayer sessions and community kitchens.
This has been going on for the past 37 years. These aren't the regular khap meetings for which the Jatland is notorious, but are held for Holi celebrations. This village of Haryana has gained popularity due to its distinct way of celebrating the festival of colours."We do use colors but not for applying on each other; just for the sake of rangolis or for putting them on foreheads. Rather than listening to high pitched music, dhol, etc, we prefer bhajans and counseling session of estranged families or neighbours," Karan, son of former sarpanch Shradhanand Arya, who began the system said. After several incidents of violence, the system was initiated and is still prevalent here and none of the 140 families living here have objected to it.
Infact, the estranged families wait for this day, said Karan. Maan Singh, an Arya Samaj leader who elaborated on the success of different kind of celebrations, said, "Residents here share a high level of understanding. I might not be able to recount as to what might have happened before 1973 (when the village started with the system) but we have lots of share as aresult of the Sadbhawani parv." Women and girls of the village are happy as they feel secure during the decent celebrations. "Unlike other places, you are at least sure of the safety and security which is generally not present during Holi celebrations," said Radha Devi.