At one end, a tug-of-war started without much planning. Workers vs staff at first. Then mixed teams. The shouting could probably be heard outside the compound walls.

Someone brought out a cricket bat. A short tennis-ball match happened between slabs stacked higher than the players. It was chaotic and funny and not serious at all. There was an arm-wrestling circle too. That got intense. We now officially have a “Holi Pehelwan.”

Sweets were passed around continuously. People sitting wherever they found space, on steps, near loading areas, beside parked forklifts. Before wrapping up, we called a few team members forward. Long years in the factory. Consistent work. Quiet reliability. A tilak, a small gift, applause from everyone else. That part felt important.

Holi in a factory is not like Holi in housing societies or clubs.

It’s different. Less decoration. More dust. More noise. But also more grounding. You realise that the same people who handle heavy stone blocks every day also carry lightness when given the chance.

By afternoon, the machines were running again. The petals had been swept. Colours washed off. But something about the energy stayed.

Maybe that’s what festivals are meant to do.

Not interrupt work.

Just remind us who we’re working with.