Rev. Michelle's Message March 5, 2026

Yesterday Hindus around the world celebrated Holi, the festival of colors. This spring festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. It also marks the end of winter. I am attaching below a picture of my mom with some of her Hindu neighbors who invited her to participate in their celebration. The neighborhood I grew up in in San Jose, where my mom still lives, is very diverse, something I often miss living in Monterey. I love that her neighbors are so willing to share their religion and culture with her. They are always bringing her Indian food, which she often passes on to me if it’s too spicy!

From the BBC website:

[On Holi] people offer prayers, smear bright colours on family and friends and eat traditional food and sweets to celebrate. They also gather on the streets and throw colours on each other.

Holi is based on the Hindu legend of Holika, a female demon, who tries to kill her nephew Prahlad because he worships the Hindu god Vishnu. But Prahlad miraculously survives the burning fire even as Holika is consumed by the flames. People light bonfires the evening before Holi in the belief this will destroy the bad so that good can triumph.

Many devotees also believe the festival honours the divine love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. Colourful celebrations are held in the northern Indian cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, which are associated with Krishna's birth and childhood.

Music plays a big role as people dance to traditional and film songs celebrating Holi as they throw colours. 

(https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6qvvnj1jvo)

If you ask me, Holi sounds like a very fun holiday! And let’s face it, there has never been a better time for us to celebrate the victory of good over evil!

Many Blessings, Rev. Michelle