Holi has always been about friends and family. It's about everyone getting together and making the most of a festival. But this time around in Gujarat, I've experienced festivals differently and more importantly with a bunch of people I have never met before, which in its own way has become a memorable experience.
Uttarayan, the kite festival, at the beginning of my fellowship came as a wonderful surprise which in it's true sense welcomed to the city. Lunch and kite flying at a field officer's home was humbling and at the same time, very endearing. But now that I've been here awhile, I can tell, Holi is going to be a whole new scenario by itself.
Being in Gujarat, when Holi is around the corner, it feels like you are slowly inching up on a roller coaster ride. You know it's going to be spectacular but the build up is still unnerving. The colours at the street vendors, the dresses in the shops, the food preparation at the food stalls and the decorations on the roads, all just really adding to the suspense.
There are two main events to really look forward to - the lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi and Dhuleti, the next day, when the actual playing with colours happens. I've been invited to a couple of Holi get-togethers in the city which would include a lot dancing and eating, so all I can say is I'm quite looking forward to it. I am already excited about the festival and would love to share my experience in my next piece.  Here are 3 reasons why I am always excited about celebrating this festival: 1. Food forms the cultural identity during Holi. So I am looking forward to relish on some sweets!
2. Lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi.
3. Celebrating Dhuleti and this time in a new city with new people around!
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Being in Gujarat, when Holi is around the corner, it feels like you are slowly inching up on a roller coaster ride. You know it's going to be spectacular but the build up is still unnerving. The colours at the street vendors, the dresses in the shops, the food preparation at the food stalls and the decorations on the roads, all just really adding to the suspense.
There are two main events to really look forward to - the lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi and Dhuleti, the next day, when the actual playing with colours happens. I've been invited to a couple of Holi get-togethers in the city which would include a lot dancing and eating, so all I can say is I'm quite looking forward to it. I am already excited about the festival and would love to share my experience in my next piece.  Here are 3 reasons why I am always excited about celebrating this festival: 1. Food forms the cultural identity during Holi. So I am looking forward to relish on some sweets!
2. Lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi.
3. Celebrating Dhuleti and this time in a new city with new people around!
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