SPANISH FORK, UTAH, April 19, 2012 (by Karisa Kukuchka): Tons of particles of colored maize painted the sky on March 24 and 25 and April 14 at the annual celebration of Holi. The Hindu temples in Spanish Fork and Salt Lake City that were once white became encrusted with layers of chalk and the handprints of the nearly 80,000 participants of the festival.
Holi, or the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu tradition. It is considered to be the least religious of the faith’s traditions, but was originally an agricultural festival. The throwing of the colors into the sky symbolizes the beginning of spring emerging from the bleakness of the winter. This act also symbolizes forgiving all those around you, creating new friendships, and having unity among all.
Students from Juan Diego High School participated in the Holi festival in Spanish Fork. Sophomore Olivia Cella went to the festival for the second year in a row. She believes that despite the rich traditions behind the ceremony, many people who attend the festival have no clue what they are celebrating. “I think they are just there to have fun,” said Cella.