Fazle Fazle Kinkhabwala, Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee shares his memory of visiting India during Holi:
Friday `18th March was Holi; an ancient Hindu festival, aka Festival of Spring, of colours and of love.
It marks the arrival of spring, the blossoming of love and for many, a day to meet others, forget and forgive, play and laugh, and repair relationships.
It also symbolises the victory of good over evil.
I remember visiting India during Holi where people drenched each other with colours. Water guns and water-filled balloons were used to colour each other.
Everyone was fair game, young and old, man or woman, friend or stranger, rich or poor.
The frolic and fight with colours occurred in the streets, parks, outside temples and buildings. All castes, divisions and social barriers forgotten.
All communities participate irrespective of their faith certainly in India and Uganda as I remember.
People visit families and share seasonal delicacies - the customary drink of Holi is Thandai which contains bhang or marijuana – never been offered this.
There is also a dumpling filled with a dairy product and dried fruits. One to put on ones bucket list.
