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.
The quiet before the storm
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A gathering of convivial spirits
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Ready for a good time
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It’s Showtime
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I simply love her smile
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Not the hair, please, not the hair.
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Big fun in NYC |
Another fabulous smile
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This is my type of gun
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Spring is for young lovers
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Two students enjoy the festival, the music & the
spirit of the day.
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A time for fun and friends
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Welcome to our
party
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Until next time
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