Add splashes of Holi colours

Some thandai for  sweet memories

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.

Capturing the mood in the swirls

Good vibrations!

Dancing to the beat

A drummer  who was in the groove too.

 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.

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.

Can't help falling in love with the colours 

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!

Kids having a gala time  - the wetter the better!

A bunch of more than merry  holiday makers.

No fun is too small or big!

How her smile sparkles!

Some dabs for a happy day!