Holi, the Indian celebration of spring, revolves around music, dancing, and making sure that all of your friends are covered in color! Four years ago, long-time Acton librarian Anshu Sood thought that Acton needed its own Holi celebration. Since the first fete, Holi at the library has grown into one of the Acton Library’s larger annual events.
Despite the gloomy weather, more than 125 people came out to celebrate and play with colored powder (it’s cornstarch with food-grade dye and comes out in the wash). Although it had rained all morning, the wet weather mostly held off during the two-hour festival.
Before the fun began, Ms. Sood spoke to the folks who came to celebrate Holi (as well as to the people who just came to the library on a damp Saturday). She welcomed everyone who came to celebrate and explained that, “Holi is that time of year when we come together, break barriers, celebrate spring, dance like nobody’s watching, and fill the air with color, music, and pure happiness! And honestly… what better place than our library — a place where stories, cultures, and people come together.”
And with that, the festivities began.
Two tables were packed with cups, squeeze bottles, and nylon bags filled with colored powder to make sure that everyone could get into the Holi spirit. Student volunteers kept the tables full.
Not only did the library staff create an entire outdoor Holi event, they also created a quiet indoor space for selfies or just a quick rest.
In addition to single servings of color that everyone enjoyed, the big guns, in the form of powder-filled blasters, came out several times during the day, creating huge clouds of bright colors.
During the festival, music played from speakers, accompanied by Indian drummer Jassi Dholi. Dancers joined in the fun!
Acton Police Department Detective Monica Ricci was thrilled to be working at the Holi festival. Early on, she said “Next year I want to come and be part of the celebration! It’s awesome!” Later in the day, she took a quick break from work and joined in the dancing.
State Representative Dan Sena came dressed for the occasion and said a few words about the importance of Holi. He pointed out that Holi represents the “transition from winter to spring, the opportunity for hope and renewed beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and the idea that love is meant to be playful and colorful.”
Anshu Sood and Assistant Library Director Kerri Darcy also spoke and thanked everyone who helped organize and support the festival, including the Acton Facilities staff; Library Director Maria Palacio and library staff and trustees; the Acton Memorial Library Foundation; Friends of the Acton Libraries; AB student volunteers; the Acton Council on Aging, for the loan of the tents; and The Dotcom Team.
And of course, where you have dancing, you need fuel. Indian food truck Tandoor and Curry on Wheels had Indian snacks, meals, and mango lassi for sale. West Side Creamery provided three different flavors of ice cream (including Indian-style kulfi), which was sold by members of the Friends of the Acton Libraries, who donate funds to all of the libraries in Acton, including the school libraries.
All in all, it was a Holi festival to remember. Library Trustee Sampada Salhunke, who grew up in India, said, “This reminds me of my childhood,” which is high praise for a festival transplanted from India to the lawn of the Acton Memorial Library.
Miriam Lezak is an Acton Library Trustee, Acton Exchange associate editor, and occasional writer for the Exchange.
