Today, India and Indian communities around the world are celebrating Holi – the festival of colors. However, there is a one big difference in the celebrations – the presence or absence of the colors depending upon where you live.

If you live in India, we all know, you can go crazy with the colors if you want to. Dry colors, wet colors, sticky colors, shiny colors, or just plain water if you run out of the colors – everything is a fair game. Friends, foes, families, strangers – everybody is a fair target, well, most of the time. No one minds, or to be politically correct, no one is supposed to mind, if their all dressy outdoor wear is smudged with colors. No one is supposed to hold a grudge if their best dress is messed up from the Holi colors. Why? Because it is Holi, the festival of colors – no other explanation is needed. A rainbow of colors is the expected scene everywhere.

However, in overseas, the scene is quite the opposite; or should we say, quite normal like any other day. You can celebrate the festival within the walls of your own home, or in your own backyard, or with some desi friends if you are lucky to find those who understand the Holi spirits. That’s about it. Your choices are limited. Even within Indian circles, no one bothers to celebrate Holi! At leats not like we used to in India. The Westernized Indian kids may want to enjoy it, from a distance, as long as the colors don’t touch them. Why would you want to look ridiculous in the middle of the day!

And living abroad, a word of caution you may hear from your mother or elders if you decide to venture outdoor with a bucket full of colors – “Do not throw color at anybody, other than your friends who understand the festival.” After all, the parents don’t want a policeman on their door complaining about the reckless behavior of their kids.

Instead, as most of the time, food has become a common substitute for festivities. Instead of outdoor playful celebration of colors, we celebrate Holi with sweets, snacks and drinks. Food has become a ‘cure all’ or ‘comfort’ for everything that is missing in our lives. So, for the Holi festival as well, food replaces the colors. Go figure the logic!

We all celebrate Holi – all around the world. In India, it is a free season of colors. However, living abroad, not so. Most of the times, we share our festive feelings by sharing  treats, sweets and drinks.

Oh, while you worship that jalebi, don’t forget to say: Happy Holi! Because, sometimes when living overseas, the words replace the actions! :)

So, umm…Happy Holi!! :)

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