Aarey of colours

Maroshi Pada in Aarey where resident

Of all the lessons that the past year has taught us, focus on a mindful, sustainable lifestyle is perhaps the most valuable. And this extends to not just our own life choices, but also communities existing around us. Take for instance, the adivasi community residing in Aarey Colony. Their livelihoods are constantly influenced by the way the rest of the city lives, with urbanisation leading to the loss of the unique green cover and impacting the tribal communities, who are dependent on the forest. And, a pre-Holi community-driven event - organised by the student-led NGO NaturalisT Foundation, along with Youth for Aarey and Yhi Hirkarni - this weekend, aims to not just ring in the festivities in a different way, but also spread awareness about living in harmony with the environment.

Manisha Kisan Dhinde will conduct the event

Project coordinator Masira Shaikh tells us that the day-long event, Adivasis of Aarey: Holi Special, is based around the theme for World Wildlife Day 2021 - forests and livelihoods. "The idea emerged from our ongoing Aarey restoration project. When we restore an ecosystem, we conveniently forget the humans associated with it. So, when World Wildlife Day came up earlier this month, we thought that we should host some activities along with the adivasis who are integral to Aarey," she shares. Since the lockdown impacted the community adversely, the goal was to also help them financially, she adds.

Participants can take home handmade gajras

The day-out will take place at 21-year-old student and resident Manisha Kisan Dhinde's farm in Maroshi Pada. Participants will kick off their day with a breakfast of bamboo sabji, bhakri and chai, cooked by the tribals. "Dhinde grows several flowers; she'll collect and dry them out. These flowers include palash, tanoli, bhindi, bougainvillea, hibiscus, among others, which participants will help to powder to make natural Holi colours. Charcoal from wood will also be used," Shaikh explains.

This will be followed by a refreshing cup of palash chai and a Warli painting workshop hosted by an artist from the community. Participants can also take home Dhinde's handmade, bright orange raan aboli gajras. "Apart from highlighting how the adivasis live in tandem with the forest, the aim is to also demonstrate how we can benefit from nature. It's a step towards promoting sustainable eco-tourism, which is the need of the hour," Shaikh signs off.

On: March 21, 7.30 am onwards
At: Picnic Spot, Aarey Colony
Call: 8976009162
Cost: 600 for adults; 500 for students below 21 years of age