Page 23 - Provoke Magazine Vol3

IT ALL BEGAN AS A TRADITION OUT OF INDIA!
The onset of “Holi” which indicates the coming of Spring and the end of Winter; is a festival that has been dubbed “the world’s happiest transforma- tional event” across, Utah, Nevada, and California! During my research, it was a thing of beauty to see how all of the colors made everyone so happy! I have proudly added the event to my to-do list! I love the entrance of spring each year and I am especially fond of all things that provoke gaiety. Let me explain with the timeless story of how the celebration started:
Although there are many stories that have been created, the storyline of the official program highlights that of Lord Vishnu and a devotee that was plot- ted against because of his admirations. The brother and sister, demon duo, Holika and Hiranya Kashipu devised a plan to slay Kashipu’s son after he showed a deep admiration for Lord Vishnu. Kashipu was a demon god who had defeated other gods and proclaimed his supremacy over all others in the Universe. The plan to destroy his son was to have Holika, wrap around a young Prahlad and dropping him into a fire. Her magic was said to pro- tect her from being burned. The attempt was botched when she was in fact consumed and became victim to the fire herself, rather than the young boy. The death of her triggering the burning of her effigy and therefore marking a time of celebration. The site proudly boasts; “The color, noise, and enter- tainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi bears witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brotherhood. The festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony!!”
The thing I found most interesting is that this party/celebration is one that travels to at least 3 different states. There are several rules in place that seem to intentionally drive home the brother and sisterhood the activity seeks to promote. There is no drinking, bring your best regular self to enjoy the fun. Clear limitations are displayed to ensure safeguards for a good day! No drugs, ya’ damn hippies! No moshing! Though careful crowd surfing from front to back, of course, is encouraged. They also use a very specific form of colored powder. I am sure this keeps allergic reactions down because be- ing aware of the products makeup, participants can ensure this is some- thing they can enjoy from start to finish! Slight adjustments are made to the American version of this day of fun. In India, wet paint is used. I am sure wet is equally as joyous, but the American festival offers dry paint only. Wet or dry, imagine a huge group of people singing, dancing and just all around feeling good as they celebrate the fact it is going to be warm again! Makes my day just thinking of it! The colors used are red, green, blue, yellow, silver and black. The crowd ranges from very small kids on their dad’s shoulders to older folks getting in on the fun.
For those of you who may want to be an onlooker instead, that is fine. They encourage that too! Items are on sale for your safety and protection and they make a special note to look out for the uniforms of the officials there to ensure your safety.
Do you get your happiness from making food? Cool, it must be vegan though! They offer opportunities for food vendors as well as non-food items that can be sold from a 10’ x 10’ space. The most popular videos that show- case the event have more than 5 million views! Who else is suffering from FOMO right now? Think the whole production is a bit much? You may as well become a sponsor. Happy people spend money, ask any psychologist you know. Or guard your wallet when that song comes on over the loud- speaker in Target when you only showed up for 2 things! Pricing starts at $6.50 and goes to $38 which includes all day re-entry for 2 and 10 color packets! If you are one of those people who likes to get the party started yourself, reach out to them to order some paint for your local function or to add some color and fun to your neighborhood. They offer that too!
As promised the dates for 2019 are as follows: Los Angeles, CA – March 9th and 10th Riverside, CA – March 18th
Spanish Fork, UT – March 30th and 31st San Fernando Valley, CA – April 6th
Las Vegas, NV – April 13th
Ogden, UT – May 25th
Salt Lake City, UT – June 8th
Reno, UT – September 21st Sacramento, UT - September 28th
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