Photo by Shehla Mohammed

Powder provides color for Holi dishes.

Holi,a festival of colors...
by Shehla Mohammed
UHCLIDIAN Staff

It is springtime again, and different cultures and religions all around the world are celebrating in different ways.

The Hindu celebration of spring, Holi, will be held at UH-Clear Lake on March 30.

Like the colorful flowers and eggs of the Christian holiday Easter, the fruits and sweets of the Persian holiday Navroz and Chinese New Year, Holi also has colorful ornaments and sweets.

Different regions of India interpret Holi differently. However, it is similarly celebrated.

Holi's background is based on mythological origins. On the last day of this two or three-day celebration, called the day of color, celebrants throw colored water and powder at each other.

The Indian Student Association is presenting an authentic program for students on campus. Students will be able to throw colored powder to celebrate.

"We are telling people to come in an outfit that may be spoiled," said Sai Kumar Singh Tej, SGA representative for ISA. "One of the goals of ISA is to promote Indian culture on campus," said Vaibhav Puranik, president of ISA.

Holi is one of the most colorful occasions. It falls on the day of the full moon in March, according to the Gregorian calendar.

"By celebrating Holi, other students will get to know about an important festival of Indian culture," Puranik said.

Holi is a time to forgive enemies, form new relations, renew older ones and strengthen current ones by throwing different colors at each other. It builds brotherhood and love, and is not limited to adults.

"It's a fun event which will give an opportunity for people to gather together and have fun," Puranik said.

For more information, contact the ISA or the Multicultural and International Office at vaibhav@isauhcl.org or call (281) 283-2575.