Noida: In the main, old markets of Noida, the mood during Holi is not much different from any other year. Loads of gujiyas are seen stacked up in shops, and small stalls seem to be overflowing with organic and chemical colours. Balloons and pichkaris are also not too different from any other year.What is new perhaps are the Holi gift packs. Bundles of sweets and other edible items packed in gift boxes that one mostly gets to see during Diwali. People have been making a beeline to pick up colours and sweets from Tuesday morning to avoid the last-minute rush. Residents are also lining up Holi-burning arrangements at RWA-run parks. This Holi is for those who still like to stick by the traditions.“Sales are like any other year, people are more conscious about the quality of colours and most customers are choosing organic and herbal colours this time. But chemical colours are selling too. Balloons in packets, as well as those made specifically for Holi with long straws to fill in water, are also getting picked up fast,” said Ram Singh, a colour seller at Sector 29, Brahmaputra market. “People are buying gift hampers this season. Like Diwali, exchanging gifts has become a custom for Holi, as many people host parties where invitees carry gifts,” said Kishen Sharma, a sweetshop owner at Sector 29. For some, however, this Holi is about pool parties and farmhouse bash.Farmhouses in Noida’s Sector 135 are going to become busy from Wednesday as revellers queue up for pool-parties. “We fill up the pools for our guests. There will be food and while there is no permission for alcohol, guests can bring their own. There will be music and we have booked a lot of young students who have signed up for the farmhouse Holi bash,” said Nitin Chaudhary of Jitto Farms.According to him, the revellers will check in by late-evening. Starting Wednesday, two-day Holi parties will be hosted at the farmhouses of Sector 135. “We have bookings from about 50 people already and booking is still open. Students from universities and colleges have taken reservations. Couple entry is being offered at Rs 2,000. People need to bring their own alcohol. The festivity will continue overnight and there will be food and music,” said Harsh Jain of Green Beauty Farms.At restaurants and pubs, Holi parties have already started with cover charges ranging between Rs 600 and Rs1,000.“Holi is no more about people playing with colours for one day. People are making an effort to get together and do something special. There is music, song and dance at most hangout joints and pubs. We are happy how people are coming in to host parties,” said Meghna Rathod, a restaurateur in Sector 18 who will host Holi events.

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