Festival of Colors, Salt Lake City

Held in India every year in late February or early March, Holi Festival of Colors was inspired by an ancient Hindu legend celebrating the triumph of the community over self-centeredness. The festival marks the beginning of spring, which itself is a metaphor for a rebirth, second chances, putting aside the past, burying the hatchet, and moving forward in life. One of the unique aspects of this festival is that both friends and enemies can be invited. The brilliance of colors is a metaphor of the diversity which makes each person interesting and truly valuable to the other members of the community. To that end, the revelries erupt in a flurry of bright hues as festival-goers toss colorful powders at one another.

Stateside, the celebration takes its cues from the original fest, and then adds its own twists:

• Contemporary mantra music, with Reggae, SKA, Dub, Hip Hop Musicians, DJ's, and Vocalists.
• Energetic Interactive Bollywood and Bhangra dancing
• Hourly countdowns and color throws preceded by free hugs
• Yoga classes
• A positive, spiritually uplifting atmosphere
• Designed to give a great dose of fun not only for kids and students but also reveal the inner child in every participant

** These images and the video are from the Spanish Fork Festival of Colors. The other events are not quite this crowded, nor is there the backdrop of the temple.