Saturday, March 10, 2012

A Very Holy Holi

Today, I got to try my hand at one of the better known Indian holidays, Holi. If you're not well versed in the Hindu holidays, Holi is the festival of colors. It's that one day a year when you just throw scented powder and perfumes at people because you can. All inhibitions are let go, and the social structures which rule the Indian social life, are on a timeout just for this one day.

So why the colors? Holi celebrates the beginning of Spring (even though it feels like Summer) and the end of Winter. Hindus enjoy the start of Spring and its abundant colors by throwing them at everyone and saying goodbye the cold, colorless winter.

I enjoyed my Holi by throwing packets of scented color powder and water in a field with friends and family. I haven't ventured out into real Delhi just yet, since I'm a bit afraid of what might unfold. 

The aftermath:




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