Holi 2009

A highly succesful holi night took place on the 14^th of March. This was organised by a collaboration of both Bristol University Hindu Society and our local organisation the Bristol Youth Forum. All those attending this event were treated to a colourful display of dances, excellent cuisine and what I like to call ‘masti’.

The proceedings kicked off with introductions by both the Bristol Youth Forum, and the Bristol University team’s and a synopsis of the work that these organisations undertake. Then an explanation of holi and its significance was expounded by the Bristol Youth Forum. The short speeches given by both Gaurang and Pradeep were delivered in a humorous yet informative way.

Gaurang put the attendees at ease stating that holi was an event where it is traditional that everybody on this day must let their hair down and enjoy as much ‘masti’ as possible.

A more informative religious perspective of holi was delivered by Yushmee of the Bristol University Hindu Society who spoke about the tale of Bhakta Prahlad and other pertinent episodes from our ancient scriptures. This was followed by recitation of dhun and Hanuman Chalisa, lead by the students.




After these formalities, the audience were treated to some bollywood dances by the students and Gita, one member of the temple community. The dance performances were carried out in a very professional way by all those who participated. I could not help noticing that the audience were completely captivated during this period.

The next part of the evening was my favourite part. Food!!! I certainly was very impressed by culinary delights on display that evening, prepared by some of our regular volunteers for cooking and the students and am very thankful to all those who worked hard to pull this off.

Then finally the part everyone had been looking forward to all day - the masti - was kicked off by some of the male students forming a human pyramid. This involved getting the group, who were specially trained by Gaurang earlier in the day to stand on each others shoulders until they reached the high hanging balloons. The arrangement of these students resembled that of a pyramid. On reaching the top of the pyramid they popped the balloons and this initiated the main holi event of throwing colours.

All the participants of the evening were very quick to get going with this event. Within minutes it was impossible to tell who each person was.

All that could be seen were multicoloured faces and a bizarre multicoloured smog permeating the whole of the temple - upstairs and down! This carried on until everyone was sure that no one present was left without any colour on them! When the colours ran out, the two beautifuly made rangolis by Nilam were put to good use too! It was a sight not to be missed!

The final part of the evening was Garba dancing and all those there participated. This was led by the most exuberant dancer of all, our Panditji - Sri Kamlesh Vyas. Nobody, not even the youngest dancers in that room could keep up with his highly energetic style!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc70bR4-T4I

It was a sheer delight to see an event where all those present were having such a great time. It was also brilliant to host an event that got the public so very much involved in the evening. The best holi Bristol has ever seen!

I think a lot of credit must go out to all committee members of both organisations who gave 100% in the preparation of the event and worked hard cleaning up.

If you were there too tell us what you thought of the event and share any of your pictures too.