By Navya Pandit
Amid drizzling rain, the University of Maryland came alive with a vibrant array of colors during the Indian Student Association’s annual Holi event on March 27. Despite the gloomy weather, students celebrated the joyful event with friends and embraced the beauty of Indian culture.
Holi, or the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is traditionally observed in March across India and Nepal, signifying a time of rebirth and rejuvenation for the upcoming months. This year, Holi was on March 4.
Dating back to the 14th century, the event is rooted in Hindu mythology, with many believing that the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who wanted his son Prahlad to worship him, set a fire to burn him after Prahlad refused, as a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Alongside Prahlad, he made his sister, Holika, sit in the fire, as she was immune to it. Ultimately, because of his devotion, he was protected while Holika perished, representing the power of righteousness.
Alongside friends and family, people typically light bonfires the day before to signify the death of evil. They also dress in all white and throw vibrant-colored powders at one another, dancing to their favorite Bollywood tunes while enjoying gujiya, sweet, fried dumplings filled with nuts, and thandaai, a refreshing milk-based drink.
Although UMD students did not replicate all these aspects of Holi, they still found ISA’s version of it to be an enjoyable experience.
“I thought it was a really fun event, and I absolutely loved the glow-in-the-dark aspect,” said Brooke Snellman, a junior general biology major and second-time attendee. “Although I don’t actually celebrate Holi as part of my culture, I think it’s a great experience to meet new people.”
Like many other cultural associations on campus, ISA is committed to being an inclusive space for all to celebrate their events, even if they do not identify as South Asian.
“We were so glad to have so much turnout and have such a wide variety of students participate while sharing our culture, with everyone, no matter race or religion,” said Tisha Patel, a senior computer science major and co-vice president of ISA. “We were happy to see the whole UMD community come out for this event.”
Patel added that ISA hosts various events throughout the school year, such as their upcoming event, Des Rangila, or “Colorful Country,” on April 11, a nighttime farmers market where all are welcome to celebrate the diverse foods and activities from across India.
With everything going on in the world, events like these remind people to celebrate the good in humanity and to make happy memories with the people they love along the way.
“These events have definitely opened my eyes to what and how other people celebrate, and have just shown me how welcoming everyone at UMD is,” Snellman said.
Featured Image: University of Maryland students throwing colored powders at one another as part of the Indian Student Association’s glow-in-the-dark Holi event on McKeldin Mall on March 27. Photo by Navya Pandit.