The typically calm green expanse of South Lawn transformed into a spectacle of color and laughter on Thursday as the Asian American Association held its annual Holi celebration.
The Hindu festival, originally created in India and Nepal, was celebrated Tuesday and Wednesday worldwide. The event correlates with the Hindu lunar calendar, meaning its date changes each year. While traditionally observed over the span of two days, its most well-known event is called Rangwali Holi, when individuals gather to throw colored powders and water at one another.
Students gathered in Downing Student Union, where Asian American Association President May Ouansombath delivered a short presentation on the origins and current practice of Holi.
While the majority of the organization’s membership is East Asian students, the Asian American Association prioritizes representing all Asian countries and their breadth of cultures. Ouansombath, acknowledging that she is neither South Asian nor Hindu, emphasized the value of showcasing South Asian celebrations.
“When I first started out with the club, I really wanted to represent more than the typical Asians who are typically represented at the club. We never really hear stories about Southeast Asians,” Ouansombath said.
The overarching message behind Holi, the triumph of good over evil, is also valuable for any student to understand, Ouansombath said.
After finishing the presentation, Ouansombath led the students to South Lawn. Individuals were divided into two groups at opposite ends of the grass. Arranged in the center were two buckets of water and a series of plates filled with different colored powders.
“I suggest you target this guy right here,” joked Ouansombath, pointing at vice-president Brandon Brion. When Rangwali commenced, however, no student was spared. After a brief countdown, the students charged forward, pelting one another with water balloons and smearing powder across clothing and faces. Freshman psychological science major Tony Nguyen was among the most drenched by the end of the night.
“I was originally thinking I was going to hide somewhere but I found that it’s more fun to run around, throw water balloons at people and spread powder about. And I got pelted quite a lot,” Nguyen said.
After about 10 minutes of laughter, yelling, and chasing after one another, the event was finished. Students panted and shared jokes as the night came to a close. Nguyen reflected upon this event as one of his favorite gatherings that the Asian American Association holds.
“I’ve been with this group since day one and have been going to every one of their events, so I knew I wanted to show up today. It was worth it,” Nguyen said.
