Holi was always fun festival, Stopped playing it too soon. Holi marks the beginning of spring! Holi fire burnt on the previous night Holi or a born fire based on mythological stories of pralhad. Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight, Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and Gopis. This prank of Krishna later became a trend part of the holi festivities. The word Holi is filled with childhood memories , boisterous and bold fun. Attacking people with water balloons, courage to approach strangers and commit the transgressions of throwing/ applying color or gulal on them, with a smile and a "happy Holi" ! The smell and taste of holige / puran Poli/ obbattu , a special sweet made with split chickpea stuffed in the Indian bread and eaten with ghee. Bombay Holi memories are special to me now, since I hadn't played in over two decades.
Today, my first Holi in USA. The weather co-operated, could not have been more perfect, gloriously sunny and warm. I went with hopes and, was afraid of an impending disappointment. I was reminiscing the old days, telling my friends all about the mischief that surrounded the festivities. The slow trickling crowd started assuring me, as we Indians are usually on our IST. By 2 pm, it was good turn out. Glad it was outdoors. Watching My friend was more fun, sneaking up on kids and people, hunting for the color innocent and striking. Created a monster there! This was her first Holi, she caught on pretty good, I should say! No Holi is complete without music and dancing, DJ with songs from 80s and 90s with even recent popular ones. Dancing to the bollywood beats for almost 2 hours was a different high... I had most uninhibited fun in the longest time, company does matter! And I had the best! Someone snuck bhaang and my friends tasted it! Interesting fact, I haven't had bhaang in my life.
I love the festivities, it allows you to forget everything and just be you, laughter and fun, meeting strangers and seeing festival through my friends's eyes. Not being Indian, it was definitely a different experience! For that reason, this will always be a memory to be cherished. I am glad they could make it and that I got this opportunity to share the fun. Happy Belated Holi! To many more Holis- Bura na mano Holi hai! ( Don't get offended, its Holi! )
