I learned something new today.
I was trying to park and noticed many people in the street and parking areas…just loitering around “because of the beautiful weather”, is what I thought… I also thought….”not the best place people”…as visions of being back in Las Vegas popped into my head. I used to live in Las Vegas and people just seemed to be oblivious to traffic there…even in grocery store parking lots, etc. People wandered where they wanted, not even caring that drivers were trying to get through…it was maddening…
As I got out of my car today, a couple of the children ran up to me..excited and proud to show off their painted faces…they were bright red and smeared with reckless abandon. I smiled and commented on how wonderful they looked…then I glanced over to all the adults in the road and saw they were actually in a loose circle and had painted faces as well. They were all dressed in brightly colored clothing. They appeared to be Indian. I smiled and continued.
March 19 is Holika Dahan
March 20 (2011) is Holi (Dhulandi)
Holi is celebrated at the end of winter on the last full moon day of the lunar month.
Holi Festival is joyous celebrations of going into the street in big groups smearing each other w/ bright colored powders and water. The dance of colors is also an expression of this event. There are bonfires the previous night.
I encourage you to explore the stories behind this celebration as they were interesting as well. Anyone wanting to correct me on what I’ve posted, please do so as I’m just reporting what I briefly discovered online after my experience today . I would love to hear from Holi Festival participants. I believe it is a Hindu Holiday.
wholoctave 