On March 16, the Asian Cultural Engagement (ACE) organization hosted Holi, also known as The Festival of Colors. The celebration took place at the Umbrella House, a multipurpose space where students of different cultures, religions and other backgrounds gather. Activities included face painting, caricature drawing, tote-bag designing, a photobooth, Indian snacks and the main event: the throwing of colors.
Holi is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter and the blossoming of love. In India, Holi is celebrated by the throwing of powder in an array of colors throughout cities, known as the “Festival of Colors.”
Adrian Sanchez, a first-year from Dallas, Texas, said events like these are important on a college campus.
“I think that cultural immersion as a whole is something we need as a society,” Sanchez said. “If you don’t fully participate you are never going to understand it, and every student should have the opportunity to experience it.”
ACE President Medha Mohan, a sophomore from Bangalore, India, was excited to share Holi with the campus.
“Holi to me means bringing out happiness in life and being with friends. Celebrating here with my support system means everything to me,” Mohan said.
Aadhya Mohan, a sophomore from Bangalore, India, added to what her twin sister Medha said.
“Being away from home comes with a lot of challenges like not being able to see your parents, not being able to eat the food or experience the festivals,” Mohan said. “Getting to celebrate here and show everyone our culture helps us miss home a little less. And we get to bring a different kind of happiness to campus, which is what the festival is about.”
Bella Bakeman contributed reporting to this story.
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