As the auspicious festival of Holi came knocking at the door, Rishikul Yogshala embraced the festival of colors with just as enthusiasm and love. Read further to catch a glimpse.
Sun-kissed gold in the air, vibrant hues of pink, red, green, yellow, and blue splashed across the smiling faces, clothes which were once white were now dipped in the freckles of a rainbow—such was the vision of the Dewey Holi morning at Rishikul Yogshala. It was not the usual day-to-day morning at the Yogshala. There was no dhyana and no yoga, no class, and no discussion – there was sheer fun, laughter, excitement, and the hunter’s will to target the next round of colors onto the next passerby.
Holi, one of the most ancient festivals of India has gained a global prominence since decades for its vibrant appeal and a vivacious spirit. With a tantalizing history symbolizing the purity of love as expressed by Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, also spelling the victory of good over evil, this festival marks the departure of the winter season and the onset of a lively Spring in India.
After the wonderful evening of Choti Holi where in the students and members of the Yogshala witnessed Holika Dahan during the celebrated fire ceremony, the next morning was an, even more, awaited one. The day began afresh with a gathering on the roof-top, all clad in white and ready to exercise the ‘holy’ Holi competitive spirit. Pails of organic colors, gulals, traditional sweets, savories were the highlights of the day. With a round of colorful tilaks (gulal marked symbols on the forehead) and friendly hugs, the celebration of colors commenced with a unanimous delight.
Gradually, colorful hand-prints on the clothes appeared that were followed with splashes on the face until each soul looked alike – undivided and undistinguished. With drumming music in the backdrop, people continued to dance and splash while the fun procession continued on the streets of the village as several more joined along in unison all the way to the Holy Ganges. There was no stranger today, no enemy, and no frenemy either – this was a day which witnessed a complete spirit of love, contentment, and unity, no other emotion or gaps seemed to matter anymore.
The celebration concluded with a dip in the holy Ganges and a paid homage to the goddess.
While the feeling was absolutely mutual – hearts dipped in the spirit of love and a binding promise to always cherish the beauty of life and relationships and to never sustain malice against anyone or the life’s legacy. This was the overall spirit of Holi at Rishikul Yogshala – collective, unperturbed, and utterly pure.
