An estimated 20,000 visitors gathered on March 28–29 at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork, Utah, for the temple’s 30th annual Holi Festival of Colors, the largest Color Festival in North America.
When the Festival first began almost three decades ago, it was regarded as the “unofficial spring break event” for Brigham Young University students, another icon in Utah Valley, with an enrollment of over 35,000. “Now festival goers are about 50% young people and 50% young families,” Caru Das, one of the founders of the Spanish Fork Temple, noted. Several dozen llamas, peacocks, a koi lake with a waterfall, and exotic birds at the property are also big draws for families year-round.
Throughout the weekend, clouds of brightly colored powder filled the air as festivalgoers joined in the traditional countdowns and celebrated Holi’s message of unity, renewal, and spiritual joy. Families, students, and visitors of many backgrounds gathered on the temple hill to sing, dance, and participate in the celebration, which has become a beloved annual tradition in the region.
Caru described the festival as an opportunity to bring people together while sharing the culture and spiritual teachings of Krishna consciousness. Along with the vibrant festivities, visitors were invited to tour the temple grounds, learn about the meaning of Holi in the Vaishnava tradition, and hear presentations on themes of peace, love, and community.
One news outlet, The Wasatch Journal, quoted a Festival guest as saying, “It was collective effervescence.”
Among those attending was Salem Mayor Cristy Simons, who thanked Caru Das for the invitation. Mayor Simons joined him in leading the noon color throw on Saturday, describing the festival as a Salem area tradition celebrating peace, love, and community. Also attending and leading the 1 pm Color Throw was Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner, who commented that we are all “Better Together.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/thousands-gather-for-30th-annual-holi-festival-in-spanish-fork/
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