Every year, to inaugurate the beginning of spring, Hindus and non-Hindus come together to celebrate Holi. Holi is also called the Spring Festival, the season of hope and joy. It is known as the festival of colors, and traditionally played in India. In Austin at Radha Madhav Dham, Holi is played in the same style as it is in Braj district of India – with the same colorful, playful, family-filled fun, and devotion.
The Temple at Radha Madhav Dham is extremely beautiful. Its walls have depictions of Hindu gods, and vibrant colors can be seen all around. Before the Holi play outside, a sort of mass was held to share the deeper significance of Holi & Holika. The color play was done by the gods to celebrate evil being destroyed by faith.
The Holi play outside was accompanied by a live band singing Holi songs from Braj to energize the environment with enriching music. Dancing, laughing, and singing could be found all around you. People were sharing colors by either throwing it up in the air or placing it on each other, all while saying “Happy Holi.” On this day, even strangers seem like friends during the joyous and spirited celebration of Holi
After the Holi play, a traditional Holika fire was lit to remind everyone that “evil always burns in the face of good.” A circle was made around the fire as more and more people gathered around it. Many people starting praying, and a designated tray of color powder was set out to throw into the fire. The throwing of color powder into the fire represented the burning of evil and starting anew. The band then came to the center of the circle and began to play more traditional Holi songs. The band started to play and dance around the fire, others soon joined in on the dancing.
