Elon celebrates sixth annual Holi Festival

Written for COM 110 during spring semester 2017.

By Oliver Fischer

May 5 2017

Despite heavy winds and cold weather, The Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life at Elon University hosted the sixth annual Holi, Festival of Colors celebration, on April 7 at the Speakers Corner.

According to the Registrar’s Report for Spring 2017, only 24 Hindu students attend Elon. Nevertheless, Carrie Seigler, the multi-faith and intern coordinator who helped oversee the organization of this year’s Holi, said that the celebration was part of the multi-faith initiative at Elon. “We do this to show that we are celebratory of all beliefs,” Seigler said.

Two students enjoying the Holi celebration.

The BBC reported in 2009 that Holi celebrates the spring season and is a fun, lighthearted event in which the Hindu caste system is temporarily abandoned. Differences in caste, age, class and gender are put aside during the celebration. Modern celebrations of Holi are marked by their colorful appearance, with people smearing and throwing colored powder at each other.

Sophomore Elena Hernandez had a rough idea of what Holi was about before the event. “I know it’s like an Indian tradition about light and the coming of spring,” Hernandez said. “I’m here to have fun on a Friday, even though it’s not part of my religion.”

Abhinav Nitesh was one of three Hindu students who introduced the event with a short story on the origins of Holi. It indicates the change of seasons and victory of good over evil. The Holi celebration originated from the legend of Prahalad and Holika.

The sea of white t-shirts was quickly engulfed in a hue of colors as students began throwing the powder into the air, and at each other, while dancing to Indian music.

“I loved it,” said junior Hank Nooney. “I’ve done it before but it’s probably been the best at Elon. I would definitely go again next year.”