Northwestern students and Evanston residents gathered on the Lakefill Sunday afternoon to celebrate Holi, the ancient Hindu festival of colors. Holi was officially two months ago but SASA waited until May so it would be warm enough to celebrate outdoors – a necessity, because the celebration involves throwing brightly colored powders at other participants.
The event opened with a performance by Deeva Dance Troupe and proceeded directly to an hourlong color war. But historically, although it is the festival of colors, Holi has a more important significance. In Hindu tradition, Holi celebrates the triumph of the Hindu god Vishnu over the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who demanded that everyone worship him. It eventually came to represent the triumph of good over evil, and today is celebrated by Hindus and non-Hindus alike, all over the world.
Holi also marks the beginning of Spring, which, given the unreasonably cold April temperatures, makes this a perfect time to celebrate it at Northwestern.