Backpacking Diplomacy Andy's Travel Blog: Travel tips, culture, and more
Lafayette Holi Festival 2013
International at home series: Article 2
This article is a continuation of a series that I write called International at home. Basically, I highlight events close to my home that help you to travel without traveling. If you are interested in reading more, please check out how to be international without leaving home. For people who want to travel but cannot. Click here for other international at home articles.
This year I participated in my first official Holi festival celebration. It took place in my home town. The Lafayette Holi festival has been going for 3 years. Thus, 2013 marked the 3rd annual Lafayette Holi Festival.
Yep, that is me.
I did not really know what to expect going into this festival. Sure, I had seen some colorful pictures and was somewhat familiar with the tradition, but never had I witnessed it before. This was my chance, to get dosed in a colorful mess and pass a great time with people from around the globe all the while celebrating a tradition that dates back for some time.
The festival started with music performances by the Indian Student Association of ULL. Then, continued with the spreading of colors and more dancing. This year was the biggest of all 3 of the celebrations and had over 2000 people present. Lafayette Holi Festival is perfect for the town of Lafayette, as Lafayette is no stranger to festivals. In Lafayette, Louisiana in general, there is a festival for just about everything. From crawfish, catfish, shrimp, frog, jambalaya, alligator, rice, to Cajun, Zydeco, even Festival International to name a few. Lafayette loves passing a good time through festivals.
The tradition of Holi is a festival associated with the Hindu religion. It is most common in the northwestern parts of India, but is celebrated very widely across the sub-continent. Holi festivals have grown in popularity and are starting to spread across the world with the growing number of Indian expatriates and students studying abroad. The Holi festival marks the beginning of spring and the coming of new growth. Please enjoy my pictures of the event below, and feel free to check out the video that I made of the Lafayette Holi Festival.
Here are a few of the pictures from the event
Overall, I had a blast and would gladly take part in the future Lafayette Holi Festivals. I look forward to the festival continuing to grow. If you would like to take part in future Lafayette Holi Festivals, please check out their website to stay updated.
Special thanks to the Acadiana Indian Association, Inc., and the Indian Student Association for hosting such an event. It was memorable!
What do you think?
Have you attended Holi, or do you want to in the future? If you did, what did you enjoy most about it?
Thanks for stopping by, I am glad to have you as a reader!
Namaste – नमस्ते
We just made the decision to alter our RTW route and go next year! We cant wait!!
Awesome, that sounds so exciting! I would definitely recommend taking part in the festival. It was an extremely memorable one for me.
Looks like a lot of fun! How did you avoid getting your camera covered in powder? That always amazes me. Underwater case?
Actually Natalia, my camera was rainbow colored after the event. For what it is worth, I figured you only live once! I took some pictures of my camera, but I cleaned it up since then. My camera bag is multi-colored and I think that I will leave it. It adds some character and purpose to it :). I saw some of the people covering their cameras with plastic.
Thanks for stopping by Natalia!
Andy: It is almost Holi time. Last I recall you were in Puerto Rico.