As part of the yearly Meltdown festivities, Centennial Park in Sylvan Lake was awash in colourful chalk the afternoon of Saturday, March 22, as part of the traditions of the Hindu festival of Holi.
Typically celebrated on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the date can vary, so the official Holi celebration was the previous week, but that didn’t stop the community from coming out to celebrate again!
As part of the tradition, different colours of chalk are thrown in the air and at participants, covering them to not only celebrate the end of winter and the return of spring, but also to celebrate love, equality, and unity.
-
Red: Symbolizes love, fertility, and is the first colour used in Holi celebrations.
-
Yellow: Represents turmeric, a sacred condiment in Hindu culture, and signifies purification and good health.
-
Green: Represents spring, nature, and new beginnings.
-
Blue: Represents the Hindu god Krishna, the god of protection, compassion, and love.
-
Orange: Represents light, starting over, and forgiveness.
-
Pink: Signifies joy, companionship, and camaraderie.
-
Purple: Represents wisdom, power, and mysticism.
Hosted by Sylvan Lake Culture and Tourism and the Central Alberta Hindu Society, the event also featured Bhangra dancers, henna art, cultural foods, music, and face painting. Information boards about the culture and traditions were also on-site to engage and educate the community on the celebrations.
And as a side note, having participated in the event, I can tell you that the chalk comes out of clothing in the first wash and removes from skin and hair easily, making the drive home less awkward.