Cities across the United States have begun to celebrate Holi, which falls this year on Monday, March 25.
Holi is the festival of colors and typically marks the beginning of spring. The festival celebrates love, rejuvenation and rebirth. While it is typically associated with Hinduism, many non-Hindus also celebrate Holi.
Many Americans often associate Holi with the images and videos of people throwing bright-colored powders into the air and onto each other. According to The New York Times, the tradition stems from the Hindu god Krishna who was cursed by a demon to have blue skin.
One day, Krishna asked his mother Yashoda why his love interest Radha did not have blue skin like him. Yashoda light-heartedly suggests that Krishna could paint Radha’s skin any color he wanted. The story goes that Krishna painted Radha’s face with colors so they could look alike.
Hundreds of people gathered at Navy Pier in Chicago on Saturday to celebrate Holi. Priyas Patel told The Chicago Sun-Times that he was happy to see people from different cultural backgrounds attend.
“I think that’s how we should celebrate all of the festivals from all cultures,” said Patel.
On Sunday, March 24, a large Holi celebration was held at the Seaport in New York City. The Seaport New York City shared a few photos and videos of the celebration on its Instagram story.
Celebrations will continue throughout the week in places like Orange County and the California Bay Area.
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