Holi HAI!! #memorableinstances5.

I was raised in a home that was more spiritual than strictly religious. We were taught to be God-fearing, yes, but never rigid. Sunday Mass was something I genuinely looked forward to — especially because it came right after the famous Chitrahaar. That half hour of songs probably shaped my lifelong love for Bollywood’s golden and teenage era melodies more than anything else..

Since my father was a government employee, we lived in a staff colony — which meant my childhood was rich in something far more valuable than luxury: people. Our neighbours were a beautiful mix of religions and cultures. Abdul uncle’s sheer-khorma on Eid, Pednekar aunty’s besan laddoos during Diwali, the irresistible Kerala delicacies from my best friend’s home. I grew up tasting India before I understood it.

My best friend's balcony was adjacent to our window from another wing. And so began the most innovative food delivery system long before apps existed.....through badminton rackets! Yes you read that right! From our 5th floor window to their balcony, hot vessels travelled mid-air, balanced carefully, exchanged with laughter and shouted instructions. Our mothers were logistical geniuses.

With most families in our society being Hindu, I found myself drawn to their festivals and traditions. And somewhere along the way, Holi became my favourite.

Holi was pure, unfiltered joy. Wearing old clothes, filling balloons with tap water (and never managing to tie them without my sister’s help), running through the building corridors with friends, slipping on wet steps, coming home stained pink and green.. and then sitting obediently while mom attacked us with home remedies to scrub the colours off.

Childhood days are usually adorable to all and I was indeed blessed, thanks to the cultural and religious diversity I lived in, along with the tolerance and harmony the grown-ups shared in our housing colony during those days. 

As I grew up, the Holi fun only grew better and innovative. Now along with my hubby and close friends we plan our Holi much in advance. The colours, venue, thandai, food, dessert, games, etc, etc. Since Holi normally coincides with Lent, we do not eat non veg or have drinks. But we definitely have limitless fun. 

The best part of this festival is that it is one day of the year when you don't have to act mature. Leaving all the grown up stress behind, you could gleefully bring out the hidden mischievous child in you which is normally lost in the bustling society norms and just enjoy like no one's watching. 

There is this one hilarious instance related to Holi which brings out a smile of awkwardness on my face whenever I recollect it.

A couple of years ago, on Holi, my little son who was around 3 yrs old, had his usual blast with all his kiddie gang of friends in our society. Later, after a week, my husband and I realised that a visit to the church was long due. Unlike my childhood days, now after marriage going to church is not so frequent. Church visits are mostly on birthdays and festivals. Therefore our son was not too accustomed with the meticulous aspects of church.

So along with our kid we went to church. After the mass got over I stood-up to reach out to the holy-water font kept at the entrance of the church. Observing me, our curious little child asked me as to what was in the container. I told him "It's the holy-water". Before I could explain to him further, what the child did was indeed eye-popping. It made the crowd present around us, stare at us dumbfounded. My kid walked ahead, dipped his both hands in the holy-water, then swinging his hands up in the air, in a high volume pitch he said "HOLI HAI !!!!"

- Sharon Lasrado.