Holi, the Festival of Colors, is an ancient Hindu tradition now celebrated globally among South Asians. Signifying the triumph of good over evil, Holi represents the coming of spring and carries great symbolic meaning.

The holiday’s hallmarks include colored powder packets, customary white clothing and even colored water. Bright hues of color can be seen everywhere as participants run to cover and smear their friends with as much powder as possible.

The South Asian Student Association (SASA) most recently celebrated Holi on April 1. After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, the event was a big milestone given the festival’s status as a pillar of community.

The event attracted many with free SASA Holi T-shirts for the first 100 people, authentic catered Indian food, various color powders and lots of water guns.

Holi is celebrated by all and welcomes all. Mia Kholy, a sophomore who participated in the festival this year, says she will in fact return next year for a color-filled event. “The color got in my mouth but I survived,” Kholy said.

Senior Amiya Peddada attended Holi on campus for the first time since her freshman year. Peddada was shocked to see so many students come out to celebrate and called it a definite success, as she says that there were probably around 40 to 50 people the last time she celebrated.

“I couldn’t believe there were hundreds in attendance this year. It was nice seeing the community including students and professors come together to celebrate this colorful holiday,” she said.

SASA President Nadesh Vaithianathan, sophomore, was also impressed with the turnout. He talked of how diverse this year’s turnout was, in turn, representing Trinity’s own diverse student body.

“This year’s Holi meant a lot to me,” Vaithianathan said, “It showed that Trinity students are engaged to learn more about other cultures, connect with friends and definitely willing to have a lot of fun.”

Vaithianathan was excited to have put on Holi with his fellow SASA officers as the club has an entirely new officer team. He says that organizing the event taught everyone involved the true meaning of teamwork and commitment. According to Vaithianathan, SASA is beyond just a club or organization.

“I believe it is highly important for Trinity South Asians to have a safe, inclusive, and diverse space on campus,” Vaithianathan said. “Our vision in SASA is to create a standard platform for all South Asians to freely engage with others and build an everlasting inclusive and supportive community.”

However, this opportunity is not only extended to South Asians. In fact, Vaithianathan believes that organizations on campus should be a means of education.

“Developing the SASA community would also allow other Trinity students to learn, engage, and participate in our South Asian culture, activities, festivals, and other events,” Vaithianathan said.