FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, USA, March 14, 2009: Each year, the Holi event at Fremont Hindu Temple promises colors, music, dance, free lunch and lots of fun for all ages. This year, the joyous festival will be celebrated Sunday, March 15.
“Every year around 600-800 people play Holi in Fremont Hindu Temple,” says Ajay Jain Bhutoria, chairman of the Youth Committee. “On this day, people do not differentiate between age or race, and everybody celebrates the festival together with a spirit of brotherhood.”
With its vibrant colors, this ancient Indian festival celebrates the unyielding human spirit and the victory of good over evil, marking the end of winter gloom and rejoicing in the bloom of springtime–a new season, the end of cold and hardship, a harbinger of hope. Young and old alike delight in using the medium of colors to spread unfettered joy and friendship, with a message of unity and harmony amidst diversity. Celebrants dance and rejoice, abandoning the cares of the world.
In India, streets come alive with throngs of people splashing bright orange, red and green colors as they meet each other and celebrate friendship and harmony. In the U.S., the festival is apt to be celebrated at the temple rather than in the streets.
Some legends associated with Holi are described at “Source,” above.