happy holi

Well, I realize I haven't been writing much. What to write about? My trips to the cows to feed them our leftovers? Life is pretty calm. I have calmed down too. Hee hee. Oh well, I can tell about Holi Festival. I will put up photos soon. I still don't understand the origings of the festival or why the colours or why it is a big free for all, an open invitation to soak anyone within reach. But I am starting to understand the feeling of it. It is a day (or 2 or 3) to be a totally a kid again, to have water fights, to get dirty, to just be completely silly with all your friends, your family, your neighbors and complete strangers you pass in the street.
This all might make no sense to anyone who has never lived through a Holi in India. Let me try to give a straight explanation. All it is is ... people buy either powdered colour, which looks like turmeric, it comes in any colour: pink, green, yellow, blue, and this powder can either be thrown on people, or you can scoop up handfuls and put it on their head, or rub it on their face and neck, arms, ears, whatever is exposed, while saying an affectionate "Happy Holi" to your victim. It really is quite sweet and endearing. It is done with the utmost affection and respect. Sometimes the kids mix the powder with water and create a liquid colour, which can get quite crazy and messy. But kids are crazy and messy so... its a fair trade. haha. Then sometimes people just through water. So, if you go out in the street, (or in our house you weren't even safe this year :) then you are fair game.
My first attack came on the day before big Holi, known as little Holi. I hadn't really thought it would be a problem, i wasnt really dressed in clothes for the occasion. i ran into a colour war in the middle of the road. clearly there was no getting through unscathed. I covered my head with my scarf as the man approached me with two handfuls of red colour, he dumped them on my head as he said an affectionate happy holi. i laughed. the festival is all about not taking yourself to seriously, its about laughing at yourself and letting yourself go to play.
on Big Holi, the main day, we had a big colour and water fight around our house and our neighbors house where nakul's cousins live. what a blast. So fun. Everyone was covered in colour, we were a mess. I will post pictures.