“Holi Hai” held at Waldorf University

“Holi” is a Hindu spring festival that originated in ancient India, but has since spread to countries as disparate and far afield as Jamaica, South Africa, and the United States. According to legend, “Holi” commemorates the demon Holika’s defeat at the hands of Prahlada, her nephew and a devout follower of the Hindu god, Vishnu. Holika tricked Prahlada into sitting on a funeral pyre with her, but when the pyre was set ablaze, Vishnu caused the flame-repellent cloak Holika was wearing to fly off her and embrace Prahlada instead, resulting in Holika’s speedy incineration. “Holi” is colloquially known as the “Festival of Colors” and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
“Holi Hai” is also a national holiday in Nepal and was first brought to Waldorf by past president of World Student Assocation Asmita KC last year (who is originally from Nepal). The festival is famous for its colorful point fights and partying: children and teenagers patrol the streets with plant-based powders, colored paint solutions, and water guns (called pichkaris); while adults paint each other’s faces with dried pigments (called abir). By the end of the day, participants are caked with all the colors of the rainbow. Although certain aspects of the festival couldn’t be included in Waldorf’s interpretation of the festival (namely the massive nighttime bonfires and the cannabis-infused drinks known as bhang that are customarily consumed), students enjoy the fun-loving festival and its vivid games.
Pictured above: Members of WSA and other Waldorf students pose with their waterguns during Saturday’s “Holi Hai” festival near Johnson and London dormitory.