EUGENE, OREGON, USA, June 1, 2012 (kval.com): The sky behind University of Oregon’s Knight Library filled with bright colors as the Students of the Indian Subcontinent hosted Holi: a Hindu Festival of Colors. “I got an email, and they said this was happening,” said Andrew Fujimato, an Oregon student. “They said it was free, and it sounded like fun.” “Holi is the celebration of spring,” said Lizzy Gillespie, the treasurer of the Students of the Indian Subcontinent and Holi organizer. “It was actually over a month ago in India, but it’s perfect at the end of spring term.” Last year, Lizzy and the club president put Holi on in one week. They bought flour and food dye but were unsure if anyone would show; 400 others joined them.
This year, Lizzy specially ordered over a thousand packets of powder from India. Club members passed out white t-shirts and powder to everyone that wanted to participate.
“I saw the YouTube video, and I was like, ‘Oh-my-gosh, I have to go to that’,” said Amber, an Oregon freshman. “I came here, and it was the best thing I’ve ever had this year. It was so exciting.” “Well we wanted to throw paint at people,” said another student, Brandon Lee. “We thought that sounded fun.” “It’s freaking amazing,” said Jessie Decker. “This doesn’t happen in Kansas.” Jessie is visiting Eugene to decide whether she wants to transfer to Oregon. Checking out campus activities is a significant aspect to making her decision.
Holi brought out students, adults and children. It quickly became difficult to identify people, but the smiles beaming out from the coalition of colors made it worth it. The event was consumed with music, laughter and playful shouts. “I feel like it’s almost an initiation into summertime,” said Amber. “The end of the quarter, or term, is coming in here, and there is a big party with everyone. It’s almost over, summer is almost here.”