Words Stephanie Staples
Photos Tanya Murchie
If I had to do one thing every day for the rest of my life, this event just might be it!
It’s called Holi Fest and it happens every spring right here on the Saanich Peninsula, thanks to the Victoria Hindu Temple and two generous families who make this free, family fun day possible.
This joy-filled celebration of Holi is the most significant and joyously celebrated festival in Hindi culture. Originating in India, Holi Fests can be found around the globe, but who knew we had one right in our own back yard! This heart-centred and playful event is a festival of colours, a welcoming of spring and a celebration of unity.
The first thing you do to prepare for this event is not to shower in the morning; it will be a serious waste of water and you will need extra showering for when it’s over! Next, for maximum effect, put on some white clothes that are easily washable and finally, prepare for some serious fun.
Don’t be alarmed when you see clouds of coloured dust wafting in the air; don’t be surprised when you see people’s faces and clothes covered in an array of pink, blue, green and yellow powder; and definitely don’t be planning to just be a spectator in this inclusive event or you’ll be missing half the fun!
If it’s been a while since you were in an environment very different from your typical day-to-day, since you learned from another culture, or since you celebrated diversity – please summon your open mind and sign up for this event.
In this world that can be disheartening, sad and downright scary sometimes, to spend a couple of hours engaging with people who are smiling and laughing and playing and dancing and hugging is so affirming; it seriously restored my faith in the world.
You can 100% attend solo and I guarantee you will be made to feel welcome. I ventured out onto the grassy “dance floor” alone at Centennial Park and soon I had a big circle of fun-loving people with me.
You can bring your friends and/or kids. In fact, you should probably bring the cranky people in your life – it will likely give them a jolt of energy, positivity and life!
I experienced so much “mudita” – the joy of other people’s joy – while watching the young, the old and the in-between connect; looking at the colourful faces that lessened our differences and heightened our similarities; and listening, and moving to, music that was so different from what I normally hear. While I didn’t understand a single word in the songs, it didn’t change the enjoyment factor one bit and the energy was electric.
And can we chat about the food? While the promo for the event said “snacks” provided, my son, Aaron – food lover extraordinaire – and I enjoyed a first class lunch, with a generous portion of basmati rice, a yummy chick pea dish and a delicious sweet treat called Suji Halwa. While I wouldn’t have thought it would be my cup of tea, it was delicious and I have already looked up the recipe so I can make it at home!
Did I mention that this happy, community building day is 100% free? While there is a donation box tucked away in a corner, it is very clear that the group’s primary interest is sharing their community with their community – they even invited the police!
As one first timer said to me: “I feel enriched for having been here.” Amen, brother, or as they say in Sanskrit: Svāhā. Yep, if I had to do one thing every day for the rest of my life, this would be it – it made my soul happy!
This year’s Holi Fest will take place on March 16. As of press time, location is TBD but keep up to date on the event at www.victoriahindutemple.ca.
There is no charge (however, donations are welcome) but they ask you to register via the website so they will have enough food; I’ve never seen such big pots in my life!
