Gajru's Holi

Nandanvan was preparing for an action-packed Holi, with every animal planning pranks and mischief. Colours, gulal, water balloons everything was being prepared. But once again, the biggest roadblock was Gajru mole.

- Alka Jain

Gajru lived in a dense part of the forest, in a turnip-shaped burrow, which was his sanctuary. Whether it was the fireworks of Diwali or the colours of Holi, he hid there and escaped it all.

All moles lived underground, but Gajru's burrow was extraordinary. It was camouflaged with dry wood and grass, had three different escape tunnels and a soft bed made of grass.

Gajru loved turnips. His kitchen had piles of white and purple turnips, and a turnipjuice machine.

Gajru was smart and brave, but the very mention of Holi made him tremble.

During one Holi, Omi fox had doused him in chemical colours. For days after, Gajru could barely see, as his eyes were swollen. Since then, he had decided never to participate in Holi celebrations.

This year, Josie mouse tried to reassure him, saying, "We have started using natural colours made from flowers and leaves. Please join us!"

But Gajru remained stubborn, having suffered earlier. As Holi came closer, he locked himself in his burrow and hung a large sign outside: Colours not allowed. Holi revellers, stay away!

This was too much, and therefore Gajru's friends Manny monkey, Sammy squirrel, Pankhu parrot, and Enzo elephant convened a meeting.

"If we could help Gajru overcome his fear of colours, he would surely join in our Holi festivities," Manny said.