The Hindu Students Council at the University celebrated Holi, or the festival of colors, Saturday and Sunday with two days of events including a bonfire, prayers and the ceremonial throwing of the colors. All events to observe the Hindu festival were held at Illini Grove in Urbana next to Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls.

The throwing of the colors, which happened Sunday afternoon, involved more than 100 people grabbing a bag of differently colored powder, throwing it at the other participants and saying, “Happy Holi.” This event symbolizes the brightness and beginning of spring, as well as a chance for people to come together and rejoice for their prosperity.

Saturday night’s bonfire was more solemn than Sunday’s pandamonium. A few dozen people gathered around a holy fire to recite their thanks to Vishnu, the god of sustinance. Skits were held beforehand to portray the triumph of Vishnu over an evil king.

Alka Gupta, sophomore in LAS and secretary of the Hindu Students Council, helped to coordinate and run Saturday’s skits. She said Holi held meaning for Hindu people throughout the world.

“For Hindus, Holi is an important celebration, which honors the beginning of spring,” Gupta said. “Many farmers across India celebrated this festival as it meant the start of a new growing season. … The festival today also teaches many important lessons, including the triumph of good over evil, a theme which all cultures can identify with.”

Ankita Patel, president of HSC and senior in applied life studies, coordinated the celebration. Patel said the purpose of having the event over two days was to allow people to understand both the religious and cultural aspects of the festivity.

“We had a skit, which helped people better understand the significance behind Holi,” Patel said. “We described the religious aspects of the event on Saturday, and the throwing of the colors on Sunday is all about having fun with your friends.”

She said this was the first year HSC worked with the Indian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) to plan the event.

“To me, Holi means a day to get together with friends and family and celebrate,” Patel said. “I am glad to see that so many people came out for the events on the two days.”

Some students who attended the event said they came because they never truly understood the meaning of Holi. Swati Acharya, freshman in engineering, was one such student.

“I attended the activities this weekend to further my knowledge about what exactly Holi is,” Acharya said. “The skit helped me understand the religious components to the holiday, and throwing the colors helps me see how much fun this time is.”

Nisa Agrawal, freshman in business, said she was very glad she attended the event, as it is a happy time for many people.

“Holi is a celebration of good times to come,” Agrawal said. “It means the starting of spring, which is a time of renewal. It is a chance to start over fresh.”

Those who attended the events said they greatly enjoyed the festivities. Sapan Agarwal, freshman in engineering, said he would definitely remember the throwing of the colors.

“Holi is a celebration of color and brightness,” Agarwal said. “It is all about religion, tradition, festivities and, most importantly, having fun.”

Keerthi Subbarao, sophomore in applied life studies and event organizer, said she saw significance in the festival.

“One of the basic ideals that this festival is attempting to promote is cooperation in the world,” Subbarao said. “We want to show that even when there is so much negativity going around, we can unite together in happiness and joy.”