Festival of Colors Dodges Rain Drops
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NEW VRINDABAN - Rain forced the "Festival of Colors" at the Palace of Gold to run inside the community center on the compound on Sunday, and the expected weather also led the festival to become a two-day event.
Because of the rain expected on Sunday, the festival opened a day early on Saturday for a day of fun.
It continued on Sunday, but with none of the outdoor vendors at their booths. Yoga and dance took place inside the community center, and food was being served in the area.
The "Festival of Colors" is inspired by Holi, the ancient Indian traditions of the “Festival of Colors” and the “Festival of Love."
During the events there is dance and music, and participants throw brightly colored organic powders into the air and at each other until all are covered from head to toe with the powder.
After successfully dodging raindrops on Saturday, the festival was set to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. But by 1:30 p.m., there still was no powder being thrown.
Those attending were instead inside enjoying yoga and dance inside the community center.
It was expected that if the weather cleared, all would go outside to throw powder later in the day, according to Vrindavani, a staffer for the event.
"Yesterday, we got a really good opportunity to change the festival from a one-day event into a two-day event," she explained. "The nice thing about yesterday was that the weather was cooperating and we were able to do color throws. There were quite a few children running around having the time of their lives.
"There were a lot of adults dancing and participating in the yoga classes. We also had a lot of food vendors out yesterday."
Vrindavani acknowledged Sunday was "more low key" because of the weather.
"We're just waiting to see what Krishna does with the weather," she continued.
Vrindavani explained the meaning behind the "Festival of Colors."
"It is actually called Holi in Indian, and is held in the spring," she said. "It's a celebration of life and color, and the beauty of blending together
"It's part of the reason why I came to Krishna consciousness."
Vrindavani explained she was originally from Cambridge, Ohio, but would frequently come to visit the festivals taking place at New Vrindaban.
"I was delighted by the color throws and all the fun dancing," she said. "I came to the temple and I saw Krishna for the first time, and I was totally overwhelmed.
"I just felt like I had found where I belonged, and I found a community here. It's really close to my heart."
Vrindavani said she started by living at the compounds on the weekends and going home during the week.
"But I found that wasn't enough," she said. “The vibe here is so welcoming and comforting. It just pulls you in."