NIT Rourkela students celebrate Holi with unique ‘mud fest’ in Odisha

Holi, the festival symbolising colours and brotherhood, was celebrated in a unique style on Wednesday by the students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela in Sundargarh district.

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Students from different parts of India and even from abroad, who are currently pursuing their studies at the premier institute, came together to mark the festival with enthusiasm. While colours and Abira are common during Holi, what made the celebration at Rourkela NIT special was the traditional mud play.

The students constructed a mud embankment on campus and turned it into a lively arena for playing mud Holi. Smearing each other with mud instead of synthetic colours, they celebrated the festival in a spirited and eco-friendly manner.

The ‘mud fest’ has become a popular and much-awaited tradition on NIT campus, drawing participation from a large number of students every year. The celebration reflected unity in diversity, as students from various cultural backgrounds joined hands to revel in the festival of colours.

Worth mentioning, Holi was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Odisha as people from villages to cities immersed themselves in day-long festivities.

Preparations began early in the morning, with children, elderly persons and women in the State stepping out with colours and Abira to mark the occasion. Leaders, politicians and members of the public alike joined in the celebrations, turning the atmosphere vibrant.

Irrespective of caste, religion or creed, people participated in the traditional playing of colours, exchanged greetings and took part in dance and music. The spirit of Phagun was visible as communities came together in celebration.