Zhao Dan
Staff Writer
The Jackson State University received a colorful gift of Indian culture at the Holi Festival held on March 19, 2014.
The festival is part of a Hindu tradition that celebrates the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. Festivities typically begin the night before with prayers and rituals, followed by the main celebration, when participants throw colored powders and liquids on one another, eat, sing, dance, and drink.
JSU students gathered at the Intramural Field to play with colored powder and water balloons, taste Indian cuisine and learn more about Indian culture at the event sponsored by International Programs. Most dressed in white and decorated each other with bursts of color.
“This is the Indian style to celebrate the festival; we play with the colors, water, dance and have fun with music,” said Swatantra Kethireddy, a doctoral student majoring in environmental science from India.
An important holiday, Holi has spread throughout the United States and the world, celebrated in Hindu homes, college campuses, and major cities.
Chinese student Yue Dai, a junior accounting major student at Belhaven University participated in the festival of colors.
“This is my first Holi Festival; I had a lot of fun. I learned history about the Holi Festival; it actually takes place at the same time in India. I’m excited that JSU can hold this event for us,” said Dai. “I felt thankful and happy for having the opportunity to experience cultural diversity.”
Kenneth Fiawoyife, a senior civil engineering major from Ghana, Africa agreed.
“I really think this is a great experience. I got to experience a different culture and learn about people who are not from where we are from, that was very good,” said Fiawoyife.
International and American students came to support the event; the majority of participants were not Hindu, but everyone was integrated into the celebration.
“We had lots of colors, lots of people, some food and music. I enjoyed dancing and I really had lots of fun at this event,” said Alain Rafiki, a senior computer engineering major from Congo, Africa.
The hourly throwing of rainbow-hued corn flour left participants drenched in color. With traditional Indian music, people enjoyed impromptu dancing.
At the end of the revelry, the powder had run out but smiles were plastered on people’s faces.
Lufat Rahman is a sophomore computer engineering major from Bangladesh, as well as the president of International Student Association.
“It was so much fun, we all were here, we played with the color and there was delicious Indian food, I enjoyed it a lot,” said Rahman.
Lokesh Shivakumaraiah, Director of International Programs was pleased with the diversity of the attendees.
“This celebration of colors is a good way to introduce JSU students to international food, culture and music from the Indian subcontinent,” said Shivakumaraiah. “We want the entire campus and community to be involved.”
Jackson State will host International Week April 7-11 to honor the growing diverse culture on JSU’s campus. The week will start with an opening ceremony that kicks off all the events that are associated with International Week. For a full schedule of events visit http://www.jsumsnews.com/?p=11890.
JSU Holi Fest (YouTube VIDEO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCSJTrlpbOk
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