The air is getting warmer, snow is melting, and flower buds are beginning to blossom. It’s time for Holi, which celebrates the start of spring, Indian legends, and many other things.
Holi is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India. This tradition is also celebrated in the U.S., where people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages come together to celebrate the start of spring.
“Holi is important to me because it’s something I celebrate with my family, and it’s a way I can connect to my roots and the Indian community here in the Bay Area,” Juhi Mehta, a senior, said.
Not only do Holi festivals help people connect with culture, but they also serve to bring communities together with the tradition of strengthening and rekindling relationships.
“We just enjoy going to it once a year with our friends to eat some good food and listen to good music,” said Keya Arora, a freshman.
A memorable part of every Holi celebration is the Holi colors. This colorful powder is thrown in the air to celebrate life.
“[Holi] has multiple religious significances, but the one thing I think all Indians can agree upon is that it is a day to have fun. People go out and play together, smearing color and throwing water on each other, having good food, and laughing with family,” said Rishab Kokal, a senior and president of Indian Club.
There are many public Holi festivals held locally in places like Foster City, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Stanford, and this year there was also an event held at the Belmont Public Library.
Members of Indian club saw the appeal of a Holi festival taking place at Carlmont, something that has never been done before.
“I think that, in general, people in the U.S. are not exposed to much of Indian culture. A Holi celebration at Carlmont would be a great way to bring some of that culture to the students,” Mehta said.
According to Kokal, Indian Club tried to plan a Holi festival at Carlmont this year; however, they were “unable to get ASB approval.”
Indian Club plans to hold a Holi celebration next year, complete with Holi colors, music, and Indian food.
“Holi is a day of unity. With so much else going on in the world, it’s a day we can all come together and enjoy, and I think that’s important,” Kokal said.
