happy holi

after being told repeatedly by people to ‘stay inside’ during holi, i was lucky enough to get an invite to play, and not miss a festival id been really hoping to see. and better than hanging out of the hostel window hoping to glimpse some action was actually getting decked out in some more-or-less disposable clothes, meeting new friends and a whole bunch of neighborhood kids in a frenzy of color and water. i don’t think theres really anything like this in the states, or europe, color and water aside. we tried (as an American, a European, and an Indian, to try to think of an example, and the conclusion was that there was really none, maybe new years?, maybe sports, think world cup scale comradery and celebration, if everyone was supporting the same winning team… the beauty of the festival was not only the amazing visual display occurring all over the city, but that it seemed to be so inclusive among everyone we met along the way.











ironically, 22 march, 2008 was also ‘world water day’, something i think the WHO came up with to advocate and promote the conservation of this highly abused resource.

from http://www.idswater.co.in/water/india/News/2489/newsrelease_content.html:

"World Water Day 2008 (March 22) calls attention to the critical need to protect and sustain water resources and “highlights the significance of cooperation and importance of an integrated approach to water resource management of water at both international and local levels,” according to the World Water Day web site (www.worldwaterday.org). This global appreciation of water also recognizes the fact that all consumer products use water as an ingredient or in production, including foods and beverages. Bottled water companies have an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible use of resources to produce a healthy packaged beverage. And, recognizing that water is necessary for life, the industry brings to people bottled water with consistent safety, quality, good taste, and convenience."