students throwing colored dust

Holi “festival of colors” heralds spring and brightens students’ day


Wincing at yellow powder
This week, the lawn outside Memorial Hall saw a lot more color than just green.

On Tuesday, the University Program Board hosted Holi, an occasion also known as the “festival of colors” or “the festival of love.” Students gathered in white T-shirts to revel in the traditional Hindu celebration that marks the transition from winter to spring.

As they excitedly tossed colored powders and water into the air, the students saw their clothes, hair and skin turn an array of hues. The tradition also signifies a coming together -  everyone looks alike, so hierarchies are turned upside down and a symbolic equality prevails.

Multicolored faces
The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is a day to play, laugh, forget and forgive.

drummy-honored-at-staff-brunch
Kinesiology major Ashley Carney ’18 participated in this ancient tradition, with excitement and an open mind.

“I researched the background of Holi because I didn’t fully know what it meant,” Carney said.

“I found that it was the celebration of spring, and a celebration of hope and joy. If you were there, you saw how all the beautiful colors everywhere could represent such a thing. I would definitely recommend it to everyone for future years.”

 

staff-brunch-013
Vert, Leaping
Five reach up
Four in purple
Arms up
Photos by Nathan Worden ’13 (’15 MA)

Michaela McLeod

Michaela McLeod

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