| | There’s something a little intimidating about a group of strangers running up to you in the street with powder paint and water balloons in their hands. It’s the same dread that washes over you when you’re about to be thrown fully clothed into a swimming pool.
Any visitor to India this week could well find themselves in such a fun predicament — for this is the time of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, where Hindus celebrate the salvation of Prahlada and the burning of the demoness Holika.
Although this is a religious festival, paint and water balloons reign supreme on the streets. During the chaos of Holi, people tend to abandon almost all social differences, partying with their neighbors despite caste, age or gender differences. No other time of year offers Hindus such a chance to let their hair loose! If anyone becomes upset because of the fun and merrymaking, it’s common to hear “Bura na mano, Holi hai” — “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” | | |  | | | |
