Lucknow, March 2 (NationPress) As the vibrant festival of Holi draws near, the city's thriving bullion market is buzzing with excitement, showcasing stunning gold and silver-plated pichkaris (water guns) and beautifully crafted silver buckets that are attracting enthusiastic shoppers. This unique fusion of heritage and opulence has made these decorative items the centerpiece of festive shopping in Lucknow.

Jewellers throughout the city are displaying specially designed silver water guns adorned with gemstones, accompanied by matching silver buckets. These luxurious creations are especially sought after by families celebrating the first Holi of newlyweds. Presenting silver buckets and pichkaris to newly married couples is viewed as a sign of prosperity and happiness.

Bullion trader Amrit Jain shared with IANS that this year the market has broadened its festive selection.

“In addition to silver water guns and buckets, we have also introduced silver laddus. Many devotees are choosing to purchase these to offer to Laddu Gopal during Holi festivities,” he stated.

The prices for these luxury pichkaris and buckets vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh, dependent on the design and craftsmanship. Numerous customers have also opted for personalized orders.

Traders note that there is a longstanding tradition of sending silver pichkaris, sweets, colors, and gulal as gifts to fiancées during Holi. Married couples, particularly those celebrating their first Holi after marriage, show immense enthusiasm for playing with silver pichkaris. The seasonal market for silver Holi items is believed to be worth crores of rupees every year.

Holi, commonly known as the 'Festival of Colours' and regarded as the second most important Hindu festival after Diwali, signifies the arrival of spring and represents the triumph of good over evil.

The festivities kick off with Holika Dahan, also called Chhoti Holi or Jalawali Holi, where bonfires are lit to honor the story of Prahlad and Holika. The next day, termed Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is celebrated with the playful application of dry gulal and colored water.

Drik Panchang has calculated that Holika Dahan will be celebrated on Monday during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal in the evening. While the Purnima Tithi begins on the evening of March 2 and continues until March 3, rituals are to be performed during Pradosh Kaal while avoiding Bhadra. Based on these traditional guidelines, March 2 has been marked as the most suitable day for igniting the ceremonial bonfire.