In Delhi, already the colours at Dilli Haat signalled the coming of Holi.
Closer to Holi, a couple of days later, more signs that Holi was not to be missed. In Agra, the hotel staff talked about the festival. In the markets, the colours of Holi sold by the vendors were present. We heard that people were winding down for the much - anticipated holiday.
On the way to Jaipur, buses passed by carrying people to their hometowns, cramming themselves tight within. Scarcity of space saw men and womenfolk perched on bus tops.
Finally, the auspicious festival of Holi came and we had a blast by the poolside at Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Two Rajastani folk dancers and a drummer gave us the up tempo on the beat of Indian Classical music. Like the others, I gamely joined in to dance and twirl. The encouraging smiles of the dancers made me want to try the movements.
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| Capturing the mood in the swirls |
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| Good vibrations! |
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| Dancing to the beat |
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A drummer who was in the groove too.
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Hubby and I had bright coloured powders known as gulal smeared on us. We did the same for total strangers. Such infectious fun and the next instant we were not the dull persons at all! Only a couple and his son who were in the midst of the fun chose to be observers. People just knew to leave them alone.
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| A pat for being sporting! |
The smear and splash began and soon hardly anyone was spared including the staff. Their suits no longer wore the staid aura! More joined in. Everyone let their hair down. Children were not left out. In fact they had so much fun shooting water from all types of kinky water pistols. That created riotious colours and before long, the swimming pool deck was wet and colourful.
We met some guests from Seattle. Originally from India, the Indian experience was also exhilirating for them.
Looking down from the hotel, we saw motorcyclists having a whale of a time. They were whizzing by to make others on the road, innocent as they were, colourful like themselves. The noise and rush subsided on the streets, and shops were closed. Families and friends were reunited in their own way to celebrate this Spring festival.
Added to the music, the hotel treated us to traditional Holi goodies like gujiyas ( grated coconut snacks), delicious vegetable pakoras, namkeen - savoury akin to the mixture snack and cool thandai drink - a thickish , creamy concoction of milk, almond and sugar.
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Can't help falling in love with the colours
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For us, Holi came alive. No more in mere pictures in magazines. On this happy Holi day, the bright colours just made us happy. In fact, the people believe that the vibrant colours represent energy, life and joy. We managed to share in a lovely morning, not missing the fun of a popular festival in the northern part of India.
So was it special? It was a memorable day. Happy Holi!
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| Kids having a gala time - the wetter the better! |
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| A bunch of more than merry holiday makers. |
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| No fun is too small or big! |
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| How her smile sparkles! |
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| Some dabs for a happy day! |
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