Holi, the Hindu festival of color, was on March 8, 2023. It symbolizes the start of spring and the harvest season. It’s celebrated by throwing colors at anyone and everyone around and getting drenched by water guns. There is singing, dancing, laughter, and an abundance of food.
For many people, the celebration actually starts the night before, and is known as Choti Holi (Choti means small or little). On Choti Holi, people will pray and light bonfires while retelling the legend of how Holi started.
The big tradition done during Holi is the throwing of the color powders – which became a tradition because of Radha and Krishna. In Hindu mythology, the legend goes that the deity Krishna was left with blue skin because he drank milk poisoned by a demon. He was in love with a girl named Radha at the time and worried that his skin color would make Radha stop liking him. Krishna’s mother jokingly suggested smearing color powders on Radha’s face and when Krishna did, Radha fell in love with him.
Each color that is thrown during Holi has a specific meaning. Red means love and passion. This is why brides always wear red. Orange means strength and courage. This color is in the Indian flag. Yellow means happiness and peace. Many Hindu gods wear yellow. Grean means spring and new starts. It’s a manifestation of the divine. Blue means calm and otherworldliness. Lord Krishna’s color is blue. Purple means magic and mystery. It’s connected to wealth and power. Pink means youth and playfulness. Pink clothing is popular for girls. White means pure and good. People wear white on Holi. Black means unlucky and evil. Black is not a common wear in India.
Today, Holi is celebrated across the world. At Barstow, there are numerous people who celebrate this holiday. “Last year, we went to a big park and threw the powder. It was really fun,” says Shria Malay (‘27). “It means, like, family and fun. Just like, one day for doing whatever and being a kid again. It’s not huge but it’s nice to have that one day.”
Barstow even threw a cultural event in celebration of Holi the last Friday before spring break. Students, faculty, and other members of the Barstow community gathered to participate in many of the aforementioned traditions.
Another part of Holi is the food. Of course, there are the classics like a warm, fresh samosa, but some foods are made specifically for Holi. A plate of gujiyas – fried dough packets filled with jaggery, nuts, and raisins, and soaked with sugar syrup – is always part of a traditional Holi spread. Kheer, a sweet Indian rice pudding, is served too. Another classic savory snack is Dahi Vada, which is a cooling snack made with yogurt mixed with spices and crispy lentil chips, which you use to dip.
The Holi tradition has spread to many countries, who all celebrate them with color powder, and some other twists. I hope that reading this article will inspire students to join Holi celebrations in their communities, and learn more about this exciting holiday!
