Students at Nebraska Wesleyan University recently celebrated their first Holi Festival of Colors, a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
“We decided to do it because we have a lot of international students who are part of the Hindu religion. We are trying to promote our cultural understanding and cultural intelligence by learning from each other here at NWU,” says Aung Thura Min, vice president of NWU’s International Relations Organization.
At the celebration, students tossed powdered color and rejoiced with music and dancing. These activities represent how the festival is celebrated in India, Nepal and other parts of South Asia.
Thura Min says it’s also a time to celebrate diversity and vibrancy of life. “Our goal was to bring people together, even if you’re not from the Hindu religion,” he says. “I want to celebrate that culture and learn about differences from one another. It’s also an important way to help international students with their sense of belonging.”
The festival typically falls in March, marking the arrival of spring and the end of winter.
