Happy Holi!!

We had been hearing tales of the Holi (festival of colors) celebrations from other travelers. We found ourselves in Udaipur when we got our chance to ‘play Holi’. Amidst dancing, music, fireworks and a gigantic bonfire…we started the celebration. Little did we know that the real excitement would be found the following day…

We were told the main attraction would take place at a circle surrounded by tall hotels with rooftop restaurants. So, as the circle filled with people, we were perched on the rooftop several stories above watching the dancing and festivities. Men, dressed in saris and fully adorned in jewelry, did sensuous dances. Dances drug on and Tim and I were ready to give up on the festivities. A huge tower was built for a bonfire earlier in the afternoon, and our curiosity kept Tim and I there. Finally, a string of firecrackers (nearly 40 feet long!) was laid out encircling the tower. The power was cut just before it was lit and with explosive energy the firecrackers marched the fire towards the tower of hay and wood. As soon as it reached the tower and the flame began to catch, boys rushed in and spread the flame around the base of the tower. Within moments the fire was raging and embedded firecrackers continued to explode from within the tower. The circle was packed with people that shirked from the blaze as the giant tower of fire continued to grow. As the fire died back, boxes of fireworks were attacked and strings of firecrackers and colorful fountains carried on the excitement. Music blared from speakers and young men were leaping around and dancing in the street, while the women huddled on the temple steps and observed the action from their seats. The street felt like a war zone with explosions and debris everywhere as we ventured down to get a closer look.

The next morning, we decided to venture out to see the continued celebrations. It is a playful festival, in which everyone douses each other with colored powders. We darted across the street to arm ourselves with our own bag of powder…and were ready to celebrate! Within moments we were greeted with ‘Happy Holi!’ and got our first smear of powder and a hearty hug. So, we returned the favor and strolled the streets dousing and getting doused by packs of young men covered head to toe in pinks, yellows, greens, and reds. Only their white eyes and teeth stood clean against the rainbow of colors scattered across their faces. It was a riot to be part of the colorful festivities....for a while!