Today is the eve of Holi in the Hindu religion. It is a spring tradition based on celebrating the escape of Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu, from the fire that the Demoness Holika carried him into (think shadrach, meshach, and abednego). Tonight we went down to Jagdish Temple to see the burning of a special bonfire, known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi), which has a center made of a wood that does not burn, for symbolization. Unfortunately, my phone died so I couldn't get any footage of the actual burning... There was a lot of fireworks.... And indian men groping the few white girls that braved the Old City to watch. We actually were interviewed by local tv station.... Famous!
Afterwards, everyone celebrates Holi by throwing colored powders all over everyone (see my Facebook pic for a visual). We will continue the celebration through tomorrow (the actual day of Holi) by day drinking of alcohol and bhang (Wikipedia it!) and throwing colors all over each other some more. Indians know how to throw an awesome party!!
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