Burst of Spring

By Karen Wojcik Berner
May 2018 View more Naperscene

Photography by: Simply Vedic Cultural Society

The Holi Festival, or Festival of Colors, took place on April 7 at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion in downtown Naperville. Attendees celebrated the arrival of spring by throwing handfuls of brightly colored powder at friends (or foes). Having origins that go back thousands of years in India, it’s a time to celebrate friendship and togetherness, to bury the hatchet and start fresh.

“It’s a day to throw your worries to the wind with a handful of color,” says Sarita Sharma, secretary of the Simply Vedic Cultural Society, which sponsors the festival. “Having grown up in India, we thought we’d bring it here to share happiness and harmony. It’s not limited to one community—we can bring everyone together. It’s our chance to give back. Who doesn’t want to be happy?”

Along with throwing the dry Holi colors, known as Gulal, the festival also featured music, traditional dance performances and vegetarian dishes. The event is a fundraiser for the cultural society, which provides community services while promoting cultural diversity and education.