On Saturday March 29 Utahns gathered at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork to celebrate the Holi Festival of Colors. The festival originated in the North of India, which announces the passing of winter and the arrival of spring—a traditional festival that breathes in an atmosphere of social enjoyment. On this day people make peace, celebrate the triumph of good over evil and throw their worries into the air, where every corner presents a colorful vision.
The festival was commemorated by the throwing of colored powder into the air and on each other, spreading good vibes all around. The colors were completely vivid: pink, green, blue, purple, yellow, red and orange. It was on each hour that marked the throwing of the vibrant colors and a hug segment as well. In all of the years this festival had been celebrated, there was no bigger crowd than there was that Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in Spanish Fork, Utah. Tens of thousands of people came together to celebrate the joyous event.
View more photos by Globe photographer Lindsay Daniels at the end of this story.
The Festival of Colors is the largest celebration of Holi in the western hemisphere, and one of the oldest and major festivals of India. Utahns receive the chance to experience an ancient Indian origin that is celebrated across the world.
Holi is a term in which signifies Holika Dahan, which is actually ‘lighting of bonfires,’ a ritual that is representative of a victory of good over bad. According to one very popular legend, Holi is celebrated to mark the burning of the evil Holika Dahan. It solemnizes the love of Radha and Krishna (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism). The throwing of colored powder into the air recalls the love of Lord Krishna and his devotees.
Even though there are many intriguing stories associated with the origin of the Holi Festival of Colors, what is most important is how those stories accompany the celebration of Holi, and brings home the lesson of social harmony.
Along with the entertainment of mantra music, performers including Prem, DJ Drez and Jai Krishna & the Ananda Groove, there was also Bhangra yoga taking place. Bhangra is a type of a dance that was originated by farmers in the Punjab region of India.
March 29 and 30 were two days out of the year when gathering individuals were singing, dancing and throwing colored powder on each other. For anyone that missed the past weekend event, there will be a one day special event held in Salt Lake City on Saturday May 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If going, there may be a few things to know and take in consideration: arrive early, bring an extra set of clothes, handkerchief, sunglasses and seat covers.
