Coloring the Lakefill with vibrant hues, Northwestern’s South Asian Student Alliance held its annual Holi celebration Saturday.
More than 200 participants took part in throwing gulal, colored powder, at one another, Weinberg sophomore and SASA co-president Jainik Shroff said. Attendees drank the Indian mango-flavored drink Frooti, chased each other with water guns and enjoyed South Asian music.
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also so rewarding to see it pay off right now with everyone on the Lakefill,” Shroff said. “Honestly, I’m just so grateful to have the opportunity.
While celebrated around the world, Holi festivals are predominantly held in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries over the course of two days.
Also known as the Festival of Colors, the Hindu holiday unites friends and strangers alike to celebrate love, renewal and the beginning of spring.
Weinberg first-year Ayesha Jacob, who is an international student from India, said she was excited to celebrate her favorite holiday at NU.
“Look at the color,” she said. “Everyone’s so happy.”
Many participants wore white clothing during the festivities, symbolizing fresh starts, unity and purity during Holi. The white clothing served as a canvas for participants to cover each other from head to toe in pink, purple, blue and yellow powder.
McCormick sophomore Simran Bansal said Saturday was her first time celebrating Holi at NU.
“My favorite part is just acting kind of like a little kid, throwing powder at people and just having fun with it,” she said.
SESP first-year Rohin Jayaraman said he did not get the chance to celebrate Holi often while growing up in a community without a large Indian population.
Celebrating at NU with SASA made this year’s holiday enjoyable, he said.
“Getting to come here and being able to experience this has been one of the biggest things I’ve been looking forward to in college,” Jayaraman said. “And it’s lived up to the hype.”
Email: [email protected]
Related Stories:
— SASA hosts Holi celebration filled with music and color
— SASA celebrates South Asian culture in ‘Crazy Rich Desis’ themed annual show
