Page 1 — The Morning of Colors
Spring had arrived in the small village of Shantipur. The air smelled of blooming flowers, and the gentle breeze carried the laughter of children. It was the day everyone had been waiting for — Dol Jatra.
Riya woke up early, excited and restless. She opened her window and saw the sky painted in soft shades of orange and pink. The mango trees were filled with blossoms, and the birds seemed to sing a special melody for the festival.
Her grandmother was already busy preparing sweets in the kitchen. Plates of malpua, payesh, and coconut laddoos filled the table.
"Today is not just about colors," her grandmother said with a smile. "Dol Jatra is about love, forgiveness, and new beginnings."
Riya nodded, but her heart carried a small sadness. She had argued with her best friend Arjun a week ago, and they had not spoken since. She wondered if the festival could heal their friendship.
⭐ Page 2 — The Celebration Begins
By late morning, the village square came alive. People wore yellow and white clothes, symbolizing purity and happiness. A beautifully decorated swing stood under the banyan tree, where idols were gently placed, and devotional songs filled the air.
Children ran around carrying plates of abir — soft colored powder. Laughter echoed everywhere as friends applied colors on each other's faces.
Riya joined her cousins, but her eyes kept searching for Arjun. Suddenly, she spotted him standing near the temple, laughing with other boys.
Memories of their friendship flashed in her mind — cycling together, sharing lunch, and playing under the same banyan tree. A wave of regret washed over her.
Just then, a group of elders began singing kirtan. The rhythmic music created a peaceful atmosphere, reminding everyone that Dol Jatra celebrated harmony and devotion.
Riya realized that festivals were meant to bring hearts closer, not create distance.
⭐ Page 3 — Colors of Forgiveness
Gathering courage, Riya walked toward Arjun. Her hands trembled as she held a small plate of pink abir.
Arjun noticed her and looked surprised. For a moment, silence stood between them like an invisible wall.
"I'm sorry," Riya whispered. "The festival feels incomplete without you."
Arjun smiled gently. "I was waiting for you to say that. I'm sorry too."
Riya laughed, relief filling her heart. She softly applied abir on Arjun's face, and he returned the gesture. In that moment, their friendship felt brighter than any color.
Soon, they joined the celebrations together. They danced with friends, enjoyed sweets, and watched the colorful clouds fill the air. The village looked like a living painting — every face glowing with happiness.
Riya realized that colors were not just powders; they were emotions — love, forgiveness, joy, and unity.
⭐ Page 4 — The Evening Reflection
As the sun began to set, the village slowly grew calm. The sky turned golden, and the sounds of celebration faded into soft conversations and laughter.
Riya sat beside her grandmother under the banyan tree, watching children play with the last traces of color.
"So, did Dol Jatra teach you something today?" her grandmother asked.
Riya smiled. "Yes. Colors can wash away anger and bring people closer. Today I got my best friend back."
Her grandmother nodded with pride. "That is the true meaning of the festival — spreading love and starting fresh."
That night, Riya looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was still covered in colors, but her heart felt lighter and happier than ever.
Before sleeping, she whispered a promise to herself — to cherish friendships, forgive quickly, and celebrate every festival with an open heart.
Outside, the soft spring breeze carried the lingering fragrance of flowers, reminding everyone that Dol Jatra was not just a day of colors, but a celebration of life itself..
End.