Indeed we just are recovering from the aftermath of Holi. Holi is the traditional Spring festival for Northern India and is arrived at after burning the evil goddess (or demoness depending on your orientation) Holika (who has a boon that makes her impervious to being killed by fire) and the redemption of the true bhakta, or devotee, Prahlad who was not burned in the end as her boon transfered to him by the grace of the Almighty. These are both represented as images in a giant bonfire with burns out by the following morning. People then return home to get ready for the day of water and colour which begins with much eating of sweets and thandai (special liquid preparations) flavoured with bhang, a local stimulant. Later in the afternoon and evening after bathing and donning white clothes people venture out and greet neighbours, relatives and friends by applying coloured tika (marks) to the forehead, shouts of 'Holi Mubharak Ho, Holi Mangalmay Ho' ring out and triple rounds of hugs (for the men at any rate) then more sweets.
We abstained from the intoxicants but utilised the occasion as a Hindu 'Easter' and shared the story of our Sadguru and his pure actions on our behalf, as our Jewish guru ji went to the Roman cross for the redemption of the WHOLE world. Indeed, another strange tale the ends not with his death but his resurrection and victory over the evil one!
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