Indian Festival Of Colors Comes To Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, N.J.– New beginnings were ushered in at Orchard School Park in Ridgewood, as residents celebrated Holi, an Indian festival of colors.

Holi is an Indian festival of colors
Photo Credit: *Uma Rajagopal*

Brightly colored powders are thrown in the area during the celebration
Photo Credit: *Uma Rajagopal*

Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Jan Philips
Photo Credit: *Uma Rajagopal*

Anthony Locicero

04/18/2016 5:30 a.m.

"According to one popular legend, the word Holi is derived from the demoness Holika," Uma Rajagopal told Daily Voice. "She dies in the fire she built to kill Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Divine intervention guarantees his safety and her death [and] Holi is celebrated to mark the burning of the evil Holika."

Holi is a public celebration featuring song and dance.

Brightly colored powders were thrown on the roughly 250 attendees.

"The different shades of powder represent the bright colors associated with spring," said Rajagopal. "The color, noise, and entertainment create a sense of unity and brotherhood.The festival's flamboyant and friendly spirit carries with it the importance of spiritual and social harmony."

The event was a joint venture between the village's Community Relations Advisory Board and the Ridgewood Indian Community.

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