photo by: Shelley Hanson

People throw packets of colored powder into the air during the Festival of Colors on Sunday at the Palace of Gold outside Moundsville.

NEW VRINDABAN — Hundreds of people turned out for the return of the Festival of Colors on Sunday at Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold near Moundsville.

The festival went on a one-year hiatus, but came back by popular demand. The festival included color throwing, music, dancing and food.

Bana Bhatta Mayshark, event organizer, said previously that the festival is a replica of a festival held in India. It celebrates new beginnings and is known as a spring festival though held in September.

“It represents a transformation from a winter of ignorance to a spring or spiritual awakenings,” he said.

Participants were given non-toxic bags of color to throw into the air every couple hours during the event. Many people wore white T-shirts so the colors would stand out.

“It’s fun and it promotes the basic principles of our spiritual organization, spreading the love of God. We practice yoga and meditation. It’s a joyous celebration of life,” he said.

The festival was paused for a year because the Palace of Gold got busy with other festivals, but they plan to keep it going. He noted the festival is popular with local residents.