Holi Festival of Colors
Our Mother-Daughter Date this month was taking L to her first festival! I haven’t been back to the Festival of Colors since 17 years ago in college with friends. It’s a celebration of spring and joy and the atmosphere is energetic, loud, and a lot going on with color throws every hour. We visited the animals (peacocks, llamas) and shop booths, followed a dance instructor who taught us a dance about gratitude for the elements, celestial bodies, animals, earth, and our bodies and souls.
In what L and I called the “Color Pit” where all the throwing action was, there were groups of drummers, reggae and hip hop and new age type music, and even a color cannon where multiple colors shot out. We went right in the middle with all the people, who were eager to give out hugs and get colors on us when our shirts were too white hahaha. Everyone was very kind and inclusive towards L.
Wearing white helps the colors show best and is traditional. The bandana / neck gaiter and glasses protected us from inhaling too much of the colored powder. I protected my phone in a waterproof pouch that I use while traveling or adventuring. Jer said I looked like a tourist! I’m glad we brought our windbreakers, as it grew cold and rainy in the afternoon.
There used to be tours open and sessions of learning about their worship inside the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple during the festival. Most of the actual temple building was blocked off with caution tape and closed to prevent damage.
This special drink served in a fresh pineapple was one of L’s favorite parts of our experience. Food trucks offered Indian curries and vegetarian options, fry bread, Korean bowls, pizza, and more. The fruity drinks and pina colada were an excellent idea after hours of dancing and singing along. My sister and her husband were able to meet with us for a bit.
We left right before it started to storm. L and I shook off the excess colored chalk on us before it got set with water. A nice stranger offered us baby wipes to clean our faces on our way out. I’m glad we came early for good parking and also to get our fill in before it got dark and cold. I’m glad we covered the seats in the car with towels and could remove our really dirty clothes. It wasn’t too bad with laundry after!
I’m sure L and I won’t forget how much fun we had here! And especially not that pineapple as we lugged it to the car and saved some for the boys to try when we got home.
Love, Kat
