“Holi Is a Reset Button for the Mind and Spirit,” Says Entrepreneur Gauravv Saxena

Mumbai: As India prepares to celebrate the festival of colors, entrepreneur Gauravv Saxena reflects on the deeper symbolism of Holi and why the occasion holds powerful meaning for both personal and professional life. Speaking about the festival’s essence, Saxena says,“Beyond the explosion of colors, Holi is actually a reset button. It’s a reminder that renewal is possible—emotionally, spiritually, and even in relationships.”
Sharing his interpretation of the festival, Gauravv Saxena notes the importance of inner cleansing during this season of renewal. “Holi marks the end of stagnation and the start of a more vibrant phase,” he explains. “It’s the triumph of good over negativity. I see it as the burning of old patterns—ego, grudges, heaviness—and welcoming a fresh mindset.”
He connects this especially to Holika Dahan, the ritual that precedes Holi. “The story of Prahlad teaches us that truth and integrity always stand strong,” he adds. “Holika Dahan is not just a bonfire, it is symbolic of burning away our inner clutter.”

Commenting on how celebrations have evolved, Saxena says: “I have seen Holi shift from intimate family gatherings to huge commercial events. Both have their charm. Traditional Holi is about blessings, homemade sweets, and offering gulal at elders’ feet. Modern Holi is about music, energy, rain dances, and a sense of community in a larger setting.”
Despite the transformation, he believes the essence remains the same. “The scale may have changed, but Holi still brings people together—and that is the real purpose.”
Reflecting on the timeless debate between gulal and water colors, he says, “As kids, we were warriors—filling water balloons at 6 a.m., planning ambushes with friends. Today, I prefer gulal. It’s cleaner, softer on the skin, and still carries the joy of celebration.”
He recalls the signature warmth of the festival’s morning hours saying, “The smell of gujiyas frying, siblings running around, and that excitement in the air—that’s a memory no modern Holi celebration can match.”
Sharing his Holi message, Gauravv Saxena says: “Let this Holi be a reminder to release what no longer serves you—old grudges, fears, conflicts. Start fresh. Let the colors not just decorate your skin, but uplift your spirit.”