The HUB

Holi Festival 2017

Colorful clouds of pigmented powders filled the air above Rainier Vista on May 26 in celebration of the Hindu Festival of Holi. Known as the “Festival of Colors”, Holi has been celebrated at UW for the past 12 years. In collaboration with the South Asian Student Association (SASA), the Indian Student Association (ISA), and ASUW Asian Student Commission (ASC), nearly 300 students participated in the event that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates love and friendship.

According to a May 2017 article in The Daily, the “use of colors is based on a Hindu tale in which Lord Vishnu felt apprehensive approaching his love, goddess Radha, because he had blue skin. He playfully colors her face blue too so there are no differences between the two of them.”

Additionally, the Holi Festival goes well beyond the throwing of colorful powders; it serves to promote cultural awareness, encourages a safe space on campus for everyone, and creates a sense of belonging and community. As you might imagine, the event brings such joy and excitement to campus.

Holi Festival 2017

Picture courtesy of The Daily