14 March 2025
Holi. The festival of colors, chaos, and pure, unfiltered joy. I had dreamt of this day for so long, imagining the air thick with powdered hues, the laughter of strangers turned into friends, and the thrill of immersing myself in one of India’s most vibrant celebrations. Today, I finally lived it.
A Gentle Beginning
We were up before the sun, excitement buzzing through our veins. Even our host family was still wrapped in slumber, but we were ready—dressed, waiting, hoping for a steaming cup of chai to start the day. The night before, our host had made a sweet request: that he and his family be the first to place colors on our faces. It was tradition, and we wouldn’t dream of disappointing them.
As the household finally stirred, we were greeted with warm smiles, hot chai, and bowls of bright powder paints. The two young boys, dressed pristinely in white, shyly and gently smeared blues, pinks, and yellows across our cheeks. Laughter and giggles filled the air as we snapped pictures, took videos, and wished everyone a joyous Holi. And then, we were off—to Pushkar, where the real adventure awaited.
Into the Chaos
Anticipation mingled with apprehension. We had read the warnings: avoid crowds, don’t accept food or drink from strangers, protect your eyes, and most importantly—be wary of groping hands. But I was certain we’d be okay. After a short, scenic drive, we arrived, only to find our path blocked. The city had been cordoned off, police standing firm behind barriers. We had to continue on foot.
It was only 9 AM, but already the streets pulsed with energy. Within minutes, we were engulfed in a sea of color—faces smeared beyond recognition, arms reaching out with joyous abandon. At first, gentle hands pressed color onto our chins and cheeks. But soon, the festival’s wild spirit took hold, and multiple hands fought to paint our entire beings.
We moved with the crowd, entering a courtyard alive with drumming, singing, and an explosion of colors tossed into the air. It was mesmerizing, beautiful, chaotic. I clicked photos between dodging the paint bombs and liquid dyes being flung at us from all directions. A moment later, we found ourselves back in a narrow street, stopping for chai. But tranquility was fleeting—out of nowhere, a fight erupted beside us. The chai vendor, enraged, grabbed a long stick, and we ducked just in time as two men wrestled violently. Clutching our cups, we sprinted away, seeking safety amidst the madness.
The Overwhelm Sets In
It wasn’t even noon, and already, exhaustion crept in. My face and hair were drenched in color, my body sore from the relentless onslaught of excited hands. As much as I had looked forward to this, it was becoming overwhelming. Pushkar, with its stunning lake and charm, felt out of reach amidst the frenzy. I longed for a moment of peace.
A quick search led us to a hotel claiming to host a trance music festival—an appealing escape. We decided to check it out while arranging a ride for Lisa. The venue was serene, a sparkling pool glimmering in the sun, the air blissfully calm. The ‘festival’ turned out to be more of a small gathering—a lone DJ under a gazebo—but the music called to me.
Lisa departed, and I, utterly unconcerned about being the only foreigner amidst a group of strangers, let go. Under the full moon, with Bollywood techno, psy-trance, and classic mashups thumping through the air, I danced. I danced until time blurred, until the moment became a frozen memory, etched into my soul. India has a way of making friendships appear out of thin air, and soon, I had found a safe ride back to Ajmer with newfound companions.
Colors in My DNA
Now, as I sit in bed, steaming coffee in hand, exhaustion washing over me, I can still feel the colors in my skin, my hair, my very DNA. My eyes burn, my limbs ache, but my heart? My heart is full.
Today was everything I hoped for and more—a riot of color, emotion, and adventure. A bucket list dream, now a forever memory.
Holi 2025 – TICK!
