LeadTrac Photography: April 2015

You know its spring when the paint starts to fly, Holi celebration at New York’s Columbia University

Recently I headed over to Columbia University to participate in this year’s Holi celebration, presented by the university’s Hindu Student’s Organization (HSO.) like most modern holidays, Holi began as a religious festival, in this case an ancient Hindu festival, in India; but, it has grown through the years to transcend, not only its religious roots, but the county of its origin as well. In its modern rendition throughout Asia, Europe and North America, Holi, also known as the festival of colors, has become a celebration of the arrival of spring, featuring bright vibrant colors, music laugher, dance, and love. The celebration entails, but is not limited to, smearing one another with paint and dousing each other with colored water, all done in the spirit of celebration and fun. It is a perfect celebration for the young and the young at heart.

While most who know me have reconciled with the dubious truth that I am practically addicted to shooting in black and white; that does not even come close to making sense when photographing this wonderful, and very colorful, Hindu celebration. I must say what affected me most being there, was the sheer joy of the event and the unparalleled camaraderie among those who attended. It encouraged me immensely and strengthened an optimism that has taken a pretty brutal beating as of late; that perhaps the world is not going to hell in a hand basket. One can only hope.

p.s. Since there are so many photographs in this series, I will have to do this blog in two parts.