Rang Panchami in Indore is not just a festival; it’s a phenomenon. While most of India wraps up Holi with the burning of Holika and a single day of colors, Indore carries the celebration forward with unmatched energy and legacy. Enter Gair—a unique tradition, a cultural parade, and a riot of colors that has become synonymous with the soul of Indore.

Every year, five days after Holi, the streets of Rajwada—the historical heart of the city—come alive with an intensity that words can barely capture. This is the day of Rang Panchami, and if you’re in Indore, you don’t witness it—you live it.

The Gair is a procession like no other. Rooted deeply in the traditions of the Malwa region, it dates back decades and has evolved into a full-fledged community celebration that draws locals and visitors alike. But this isn’t your average parade. This is an explosive, joyous dance of tradition, music, and colors. It begins in the early hours of the morning, as various community groups, including those from surrounding areas, assemble in their traditional attire, accompanied by massive drums, band baajas, and tractors converted into moving stages.

By the time the clock strikes 11 AM, Rajwada becomes a spectacle. Water cannons spurt colored water over the crowd, drums beat in rhythmic unison, and color—vibrant, fluorescent, divine—fills the air. The Gair winds its way through narrow streets, crossing Jawahar Marg, Malharganj, Khajuri Bazaar and returning to Rajwada—its energy growing, its crowd swelling, its color deepening.

And it’s not just about the fun. The Gair is a symbol of communal unity. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian—Rang Panchami in Indore dissolves all boundaries. Everyone dances to the same beats, throws the same colors, and smiles the same smiles.

This year’s Gair, held on 30th March 2025, was no exception—it was a roaring success. With improved arrangements by the municipal authorities and safety measures in place, more than 100,000 people became part of this vibrant wave. Local bands played everything from folk music to dhol tasha fusion. Giant color cannons installed on rooftops sprayed the crowd below, and drones captured the madness from above, broadcasting it to viewers across the globe.

And let’s not forget the food—because no celebration in Indore is complete without chaat, jalebi, and spicy poha jalebi combos being handed out by enthusiastic street vendors. Families came out with children perched on their shoulders, photographers captured candid color-smeared faces, and old-timers watched with nostalgia, recounting tales of how Gair looked in their childhood.

Rang Panchami’s Gair in Indore is not just an event—it’s an emotion. One that leaves you drenched, delighted, and deeply connected to a city that knows how to celebrate life like no other.

If you ever find yourself in Madhya Pradesh around Holi, make your way to Indore. Come see the magic for yourself. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that one memory—one splash of color—that stays with you forever.