The momentum of the Holi festival at Princeton gained importance on the eve of Holi. People were so enthusiastic about Holika Dahan. At about 6 pm, a pile of wood in a conical form took its shape in the centre of open ground adjacent to the basketball court.
At twilight, ladies conducted Pooja by offering flowers and a sweet dish made of jaggery and wheat flour to the conical wooden structure by tying a rope around it. They call it as cool Holi Pooja. People around were so enthusiastic to welcome the Hindu Priest, who lead the rituals of Holi. He chanted some prayers and the conical piles of wood were lighted and the flame voraciously reached a height of 10 to 12 feet high. Prasad was offered to all the residents and people returned home with the hope of playing Holi on 8th March.
The next day morning, it was great to see everyone playing with colours and water and the reverberating music displayed the happiness of the people around. The music immersed the whole community in the rhythm of sound and vibration and everyone was in the grip of the festival. RWA played a vital part in all the arrangements and refreshments. It ended by 2 pm as the children, teenagers, youngsters and seniors became tired and wound up for home to rest for the rest of the day.
We are privileged to witness such festivals with diverse cultures at Princeton.
by Mythily Govindan (Princeton Est, 8448716764)
Very nice!