By Patrick Costello
Holi DC proved to be an amazing, life affirming and family bonding experience. ISKCON of DC did an amazing job of putting together an event that was not only fun and affordable, but also cultivated an air of kindness. That may seem kind of silly to say if you did not attend, but keep in mind that this event consisted primarily of complete strangers tossing handfuls of colored powder on each other.
You haven’t lived until someone has walked up to you, gently plastered your mug with a handful of bright orange powder while sweetly saying, “Happy Holi!”
At first I worried about my Nikon being damaged by the cornstarch-based colored powders, but in the end my desire to capture what was happening made me realize that my camera was just a tool. If it breaks at least it will die doing its job. I managed to get over 300 pictures while still taking part in the event, so it looks like the bandanna handkerchief I tied over the frame may have done its job. Time will tell.
It was a beautiful day and a beautiful event. The food was inexpensive and fabulous. The music was good. Best of all. as I have already said, people were kind. Amy and I will be back next year and we hope to see you there!