Springtime in India and other parts of the world means it’s time once again to celebrate the Hindu festival Holi. The story goes that Krishna, a Hindu deity, fell in love with a milkmaid named Radha. His skin was dark and hers was fair. In order to make themselves appear more alike, he coloured her face while playing a game. Many believe this is where the tradition of throwing pigmented powder (gulal) on one another began. The Holi festival is a time to cast caution and colour to the wind. Also known as the “festival of love,” this popular event unites people through feasting, music, dance and general frivolity.
