Halfway around the world from India, Miami University's Indian student contingency will celebrate the traditional Hindu holiday, Festival of Colors.
At Peffer Park Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Indian Student Association (ISA) will be observing the Holi celebrations and listening to speakers and student presentations. All Miami students are invited to participate as well.
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India and Nepal.
"This celebration begins on Phalgun Purnima, or the full moon, which took place March 22 of this year," said sophomore Shereene Tailor, spokesperson for the group. "However, since Miami students were away for spring break during that time, the ISA moved the celebration so that all students would be able to participate."
The ISA is hoping that students will not only take place in the celebration, but use the festival as an opportunity to learn about the various Hindu legends as well.
"There are many legends and rituals associated with the holiday concerning the celebration of good and the banishment of evil," said senior Nisha Mehta, treasurer of ISA. "Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival to remember the story of Prahlad and Holika."
The legend says that King Hiranyakashyapu ordered his son, Prahlad, to death because he worshipped the Lord Vishnu instead of his father. The king ordered his sister, Holika, one who was immune to fire, to walk into a bonfire holding his son. However, Holika was burnt to ashes and Prahlad was saved from the fire because of his devotion to Vishnu.
Mehta said that for the celebration, the community traditionally gathers dressed in white. During a procession, participants throw colorful powders into the air, coloring the clothes of the participants.
"Those joining the celebration this Sunday will participate in a re-enactment of this tradition using white shirts and colored water," Tailor said. "And those joining the celebration should wear clothes that they don't mind getting dirty."
During the celebration there will also be student presentations and speakers from Miami, explaining the rituals and the legends behind the holiday.
"It will be a great experience to share with the university," Mehta said. "This celebration highlights the victory of good over evil and commemorates the Lord Krishna."
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Most students asked about the event on campus were unaware of the celebration and of the ISA.
"I haven't heard of the festival, and honestly, I know very little about the association itself," said sophomore Caterina Papadopoulos.
The group is inviting all to the festivities at Peffer Park to learn about the day of celebration and about the culture it's associated with.
According to the group's Web site, the ISA is made up of Indians and Indian-American students, and helps promote cultural exchange and understanding among Americans and other minority groups.
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