Forced by the pandemic to confine themselves to their homes for two years, scores of Mumbaikars were excited to celebrate Holi in a grand way with DJ parties in their societies, but the government has poured cold water on their plans at the last minute.

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday banned the use of DJ music citing the ongoing SSC and HSC exams. It asked citizens to use loudspeakers at low volume and disallowed large gatherings. As per the government’s new guidelines for Holi, people have to do Holika Dahan before 10 pm in societies or on roads. Water balloons and polythene bags to throw water or colour are banned. Nobody is allowed to play Holi under the influence of alcohol, particularly with women.