An Experience with Holi, a Hindu Festivity

An Introduction to Holi

Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal, also known as the festival of colors. It brings together hundreds of people, dressed in white, to share in music, love, dance, and visual euphoria. The essence of Holi is not just in the vibrant colors but in the unity and joy it fosters among participants. The anticipation builds as people prepare to immerse themselves in this unique cultural experience.

The Journey to the Festival

The party was finally about to start, and we were running late. Carmen, Reem, and I hurried as fast as the pouring rain to Carmen’s house. Everyone had to dress as white as a sheet, a tradition that symbolizes purity and serves as a blank canvas for the colorful powders. We changed and looked like white ghosts, except we had nothing on our faces.

The Adventure Begins

We were offered a ride by two of our friends, Abrar and Philippa, and together we headed to the party. Upon arriving at St. Julians, surrounded by people dressed in white, it felt like being in an empty room with four white walls. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Around 6 p.m., the door was still closed, and people were waiting. The security guards varied in appearance, one resembling an orange, while others were as imposing as a door.

The Challenge of Getting In

As we stood by the beach, waiting for the door to open, we pondered how we could enter without our ID cards. All of us were underage, except for Carmen, who was 18, and the Holi Color party was for ages 17 and above. We had never attended a Holi party, but we had seen videos and pictures. The experience promised to be unique, especially compared to the relatively colorless environment of Malta, dominated by limestone, old buildings, trees, and seas. For a moment, I closed my eyes and imagined the vibrant, swirling colors around me.

A Miraculous Entry

Out of nowhere, we heard people cheering, and their noise rose as the door opened. They marched inside and playfully overwhelmed the poor orange-like guard. We managed to enter together without being checked. It felt like a miracle had occurred. Carmen screamed with excitement, akin to a howler monkey. I heard Reem cautioning, “Raghed, be careful,” and when I turned back, I thought it was sprinkling. Upon closer inspection, I realized I was covered in a variety of colors, an amazing and transformative experience.

The Heart of the Celebration

We moved toward where the crowd was gathered. At the end, there was a stage with a DJ, large speakers, and cameras capturing the event. The attendees were of different ages and skin colors, united by their white attire. When the DJ lowered the music and counted down from 10 to 1, everyone threw colors into the air, as if they were prisoners finally set free. The sight was spectacular, and the air was filled with laughter and chatter, creating an atmosphere of joyous liberation.

References:

• Das, S. (2021). The Cultural Significance of Holi. Indian Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/ijcs.2021.003
• Mehta, R. (2019). Holi: Beyond the Colors. New Delhi: Culture Press.