Holi-Day

HOLI.

Otherwise known as the Festival of Colors, this holiday signifies the beginning of the spring season and leaving Winter behind. It also celebrates the characters of an ancient Hindu story that revolves around themes like sacrifice and love and faith.

An explosion of color and noise and laughter. I couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate this holiday for the first time, or for better company. As the pictures attest, I didn't stand a chance. My kids ambushed me almost immediately. I just had enough time to register that the colors had been put on the table before color was all I could see. And taste. And smell.

I smeared bright color on many a cheek (gently) while the owners of said cheeks took more pleasure in smooshing color all over my face and hair a tad more violently. I think my short height was a key factor leading to my utter surrender. The kids just didn't have to reach very high to get to my face, as they did with some of the others.

To the right - Jitender and Avash fresh from their attack

After the colors ran out, we turned on music and danced traditional Rajasthani songs together in the sun, covered in color and dust and happiness. How wonderful it was to celebrate Holi in the newly-acquired garden area. This large space served as a public toilet and dump for the past 25 years and sits directly across from the Foundation. After much deliberation and conflict between the owner, the Foundation was (finally) able to purchase the space last month. Now, the children and the surrounding community will have a space for events (such as this), but also a garden where the children can grow flowers and vegetables and learn about the joy of Earth. Somewhere safe and clean and theirs. I wish I could be here to see it finished, but it is just another reason why I will have to return soon.

As cliched as it sounds, the day I spent celebrating Holi with the children and with new friends will be a day I will always remember. I chose to forget how much toxic chalk I inhaled. My skin is also tinted a nice shade of pink.Its been six days since Holi. Should I be worried?

Madness

Payal all Pink

Sweet little Arshi getting painted

Troublemakers :)

Post-war snack