Colors of joy: East Meadow celebrates Holi

Members of the East Meadow community embraced Indian culture this month, celebrating Holi, a Hindu festival. The East Meadow Public Library welcomed the Anja Dance Company on March 17, a premier South Asian performing arts organization specializing in artistic and authentic arts education, performances and classes.

Holi is a vibrant and colorful Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, although its popularity has spread to many other parts of the world. It usually falls in March, marking the arrival of spring. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

This year Holi fell on March 25.

One of the most iconic aspects of Holi is the playful throwing of colored powder, known as gulal, and water.

Like many holidays and celebrations, Holi is incomplete without music and dance. People gather in groups to sing and dance to traditional folk songs known as Holi songs and Bollywood tunes. The festive atmosphere is filled with laughter, music, and the rhythmic beat of drums.

The Anja Dance Company entertained a packed auditorium of community members, who were brought to their feet several times throughout the performance. According to its website, AnjaDance.com, the company incorporates social studies, geography and language into their performances, so people walk away with an understanding of new dance styles and a better understanding of South Asian culture.

There was no shortage of fun at the East Meadow show. The joyous and exuberant festival brought people together, through a celebration of life, color and the beauty of spring.