At first glance it looks like the leprechaun apocalypse... like the rainbow literally melted and dropped like rain on the thousands and thousands of people gathered in the shadow of a spectacularly white temple and a forebodingly grey sky. Plumes of brightly colored chalk rise and settle like smoke on the battlefield as the people engage in colorful warfare.
In the immortal words of Yosemite guy, "What does it all mean?"
It's the Hindu holiday Holi, of course. Also known as the Festival of Colors, it's basically a celebration of Spring.
"In India, Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Every nook and corner presents a colorful sight. Young and old alike are covered with colors and groups are seen singing, dancing and throwing colors on each other. The color, noise and entertainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi bears witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brotherhood. The festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony!" Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple
Here in Utah we are privileged to have what is one of the largest such festivals in the United States. This year the organizers anticipated some 30,000 participants over 2 days. What was once a single throwing has grown to five separate throwings on Saturday, and more on Sunday. So if we're not Hindu, why do we do it? Because it's fun and light-hearted, and a good way to learn even just a little bit about another faith!
love :)
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