Tempe, Arizona - Holi Festival of Colors

Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal.  It is also known as the "Festival of Colors".  The festival signifies victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a way to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.

In recent years the festival has spread to Europe and North America (and Tempe!) as a spring celebration of love, frolic and colors.  [Source: wikipedia]

I was introduced to this festival by co-workers.  I was a little concerned about the powder and water with my camera, but Naran assured me that I would have a safe spot away from the elements with a good view of all of the action.  He was right!  It was fun to photograph and next year I would like to participate...right in the middle of it all. The big camera will need to stay at home and I will bring a water resistant point and shoot.  Look for artistic work from my efforts here as the colors and motions were beautiful.

Answers to questions that you may have.
1. It washes off and does not stain.  Given that, I still would bring cloths that could stand up to the colors.
2.  Ah, yes, you have to drive home afterwards. Clean clothes? blankets for the car?
3. My motivator is in one of the last photos. She had a scarf on her head and covered her hair. That is exactly what I need to do!


Global fun.  Boy chases girl. Girl chases boy.  You purchase bags of colored powder and toss them in the air, or at a specific person.

 A bubble machine added to the fun.

 The little boy in the blue shirt must be trying to figure out what is going on!

 Well into the spirit of the fun.  These three were having a blast.

 This girl is my motivation for participating next year.