Hapi Holi

Acording to Wikipedia, Holi is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus as a festival of colours. It is primarily observed in India and Nepal, but also by the minority Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well in countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mauritius, and Fiji.


The festival has many purposes, but first and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence.

Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colors" from Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.

What fascinates me about India, without ever setting foot in the country yet is the strictness of social norms, which includes gaps between age, gender, status, and caste. Holi however removes them and the rich and poor, women and men, enjoy each other’s presence on this day.

We had an invitation to celebrate Holi at the Indian Embassy today and celebrate we did. Atmosphere was filled with excitement, fun and joy. We ended up saturated in water, with color all over our skin and clothes.