Avion

Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Student Life

Media Credit: ISA [Click to enlarge]

On Saturday, April 5, 2008, the Indian Students Association organized and participated in one of the most celebrated festivals in Indian culture, Holi. Holi is celebrated to officially welcome Spring, the season of love and beauty. It is a festival of colors, music and dance and has been celebrated for thousands of years in India. The main event during Holi is the playing of colors, where partakers cover each other in color using a medium of choice; hands, water guns or buckets of colored water. Special biodegradable non-toxic water-soluble color was specially ordered from India just for this event.

A forecast of rain had threatened to cancel the festivities, but the ISA was well prepared to continue in case the forecast was wrong. There was not a dark cloud in the sky, and the preparation continued. Slowly but surely, students and faculty members began showing up and the celebrations began. Everyone present started off by throwing handfuls of color at the nearest victim. Then the water guns were brought out, leaving no one safe from streams of colored water. Arrivals after that point were considered latecomers, and it was agreed that a punishment was in order. All latecomers were dipped in buckets of colored water, instantly covering them from head to toe in color.

The color fights continued until the entire stock of colors, which amounted to nine kilograms, was exhausted. The onset of rain at this point looked imminent, but it was time to set up the slip and slide. The slip and slide filled everyone with a renewed energy and in minutes people were lining up to show off their skills. A competition was also held to decide who the best "slider" was and the winner received a gift card from Walmart. Other games were organized, including tug-of-war and a modified version of egg toss but using water balloons. Over sixty dollars in prizes were awarded.

Eventually it did rain, but it was welcome as everyone was already drenched, and it served to cool down the hot day. Soon, everyone retired to the tent for Indian snacks and "Thandai", a traditional Indian drink, prepared by mixing saffron and other spices in milk.

Many members of the faculty and staff were present, including Dr. Gurjar, the advisor of the ISA; Judy Assad, coordinator of International Student Services; and Marlene Braganza of the Mathematics Department.

All in all, the event was considered a huge success and was pronounced by all present as the best event organized by the ISA this year. Over sixty students of various nationalities were present, which added to the cultural diversity of the event. Irrespective of race, ethnic background or religion; every one present celebrated like there was no tomorrow, making the Holi event serve as a cultural melting pot. I would like to acknowledge the Executive board of the ISA for the work and effort they put into this event, and the extraordinary skill with which the event was conducted. Holi will be held again next spring and everyone interested in having a great time is welcome to come and join in the fun.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools