May 2, 2011

Holi!


 Prashant Kakad @ Hoyt Arboretum

 Ratnanjali Adhar @ Hoyt Arboretum

Gopis @ Hoyt Arboretum

There's no shame on Holi!  Revelers sing, dance, and smear colored powder all over each other.  Jubilant cries of "Mohalla!" fill the air and pranks are partaken in honor of Krishna, the lord of desires.  Social boundaries are dissolved, as are the segregations of caste, and replaced with festivity, flirtation, and fun.  Holi bids farewell to the rainy season and welcomes the Springtime vibe with an uproarious display of silliness.    

I had the good fortune of attending this small Holi celebration up at Hoyt Arboretum on an almost Springlike day.  While Portland's Holi by no means compares with the festivals of Jaisalmer or Vrindavan, it was a fine spectacle with it's own fair share of antics and conviviality.  DJ Prashant Kakad was on the scene bringing the Bollywood back-up, spinning some filmi classics and choreographing basic Bollywood dance routines on the spot.  Appreciations to him for the merriment and big thanks to Ratnanjali who helped plan it out and brought some delicious Holi snacks (but unfortunately no Bhang Thandai!).  Good riddance to the rain!  Happy Springtime everybody!    

Photobucket
Prashant teaches Bollywood-Bhangra dance classes
at The Crystal Ballroom every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month.

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