E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
A boy is hoisted up by the crowd during Holi, the festival of colors, at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah March 26, 2011. Thousands packed the temple grounds to celebrate Holi, a spring Hindu festival celebrated by throwing coloured powder at each other.
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
Reveller Philip Ellis dances during Holi, the festival of colors, at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple.
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
People throw colored powder during Holi, the festival of colors, at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple.
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
A woman listens to chants at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple.
Jim Urquhart / Reuters
Revellers Brandon Balaszi (R) and his wife Terrilyn break for lunch during Holi, the festival of colors, at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple.
You can see other pictures of Holi celebrated in India here.
Leave a Comment:
Believe it or not I learned what this festival was by watching "An Idiot Abroad". Thank you Ricky Gervais for sending Karl to the "real" festival in India. In India it is a fun festival but a sacred ritual. These pix make it look like Woodstock.
It appears to be some kind of Pagan practice. I wouldn't wonder why the U.S. is battered by "Mother Nature" and "Global Warming".
It is amazing what people will do to have joy when all the really need is Jesus
I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit. (Kahlil Gibran)
Remeber Jesus said that All are God's Children.
The Hindu religion was introduced to America in the 1800's. It's arrival precedes our current atmospheric environment. What type of environmental disaster does a poor attitude towards others cause?
you know, christianty is not the only religon that celebrates life and love.last time i checked christians dont have a holiday as joyous and awesome as this!
wow that comment sounded soooooooo ignorant!
Yes, the Hindus caused global warming - also - there were no fins on cars until Dwight Eisenhower was elected President - after he was out of office they miraculously disappeared. Why doesn't Congress investigate? Because they are in the pay of the automotive industry - MSNBC is censoring my posts. Why? Because they are afraid I'm going to b low the lid off the Howard Hughes Spencer Kimball cabal that is maintaining both of them in computerized form in a huge cavern under the Great Salt Lake! Why there? Because Arnold Schwarzenegger was bred in a test tube in Austria from an egg from Leni Riefenstahl and sperm from Adolf Hitler. Why Adolf Hitler? Because yakety yakety yakety yak.
For the love of God,can't you christain holyrollers stop pushing your frickin agenda just once..
Its Hinduism you nitwit, not Pagan. It was here a looooooooong time before Christianity. Also, Pagan doesn't mean "not Christian" although many, many, many Christian beliefs and practices are rooted in Paganism. Just saying.
How foul and sickening, that you would take a day filled with such joy and celebration, and denigrate it in such a filthy and disgusting manner. I hope you are not a christian, becasue if you are, the gates of hell are yawning for you.
You have to keep in mind that the majority of Christian holidays derive from pagan practices and holidays....for example Christmas came from Saturnalia, and Easter from Queen Semiramis of Babylon's springtime festival
If there is a god there is only one god, then whatever you worship in the spirit of brotherhood and peace how you worship means little to the god or creator of all things. He also created Hindu religions, all serve a purpose, to unify people of all culture in the aim to bring unity and peace..so as Jesus said do not judge others by your dim vision of what God is , no one really knows except those who aim to control the message for their purpose.
All men and women are brothers and sister, develop that attitude and the world will achieve peace.
And you assume they have no joy? Jesus is wonderful - Christianity - what it has been and has become - not-so-wonderful. I have much more joy now in my Spiritual path than I did as a practicing "Christian". Religion is man's search for God, and is designed to keep us out of Hell (fear-based). Spirituality is, perhaps, for those who have already been there. The two largest and most followed religions of the world (Christian and Muslim) FIGHT and KILL and push their philosophy on others. Yuck. Religions such as these define God for you... Jesus promotes seeking and finding God for yourself - authentically and sincerely. And, one need not call their self a "Christian" to do so.
Now EVERYONE in here needs to calm the hell down!!
I happen to be a Christian and I was there today. It was breathtaking, it was exciting, it was everything but an open call to convert to Hinduism.
The people gathered there today and yesterday for a few simple things...some to worship, some to have fun, some to gather in peace, and some just to have the chance to throw powder in their friend's faces (that would be me).
If you have something against people peacefully gathering to do as they wish, then stop going to church, to concerts, or anything else that is greater than yourself.
For those of you who were on here acting like a bunch of asses, keep in mind that this is in Utah County, Utah... one of the most conservative communities in the nation, home to one of the most dense Christian populations in the world, and BYU. If you think for one second that a pagan ritual is being celebrated in public, you had better think again.
Hey Hotel Alpha! Good News! There's a New Testament that just came out. It supercedes all the old judgmental stuff and God's wrath concepts. You should read it and take it to heart. It would do you and the rest of us good.
Amazing this is in Utah. I would think the Mormons are pretty upset these pagans have infiltrated their territory. Go Hindu's.
We claim the privileged of worshiping the almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege. Let them worship how, where or what they may.
Actually, the majority of the attendees for the festival are Mormon and go to BYU. While none of us really buys into the whole Hare Krisha thing, the festival is a lot of fun and a good cultural experience.
Yet another irrelevant jab at the Mormons? Get a clue! PS - I know a Mormon church in Utah that held a fund raiser to help finish building a church house of a different faith because they lacked the funds. Who's the heartless fool now ug1, or should I say, what are you doing to make a positive difference in the world?
The Mormons don't care what religions come to Utah. They accept all people from any religion, and from no religion, with open arms. Besides, I pretty much guarantee at least 50% of the people participating in this event were Mormon.
Hindus aren't "pagan"...educate yourself, please
Far from being upset, the local LDS community loves our Hindu friends.
Most of us at the festival were LDS (Mormon) and had a great time. We welcomed the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple ten years ago and, in fact, helped them finish the building when they ran short on funds.
So, it's not amazing this is in Utah. Many of the leading business figures here (particularly in tech) are Hindu, and are an important part of this community.
I agree with ug1 because I lived in that state and if you are not LDS you are treated very differently. I think publicly the LDS "accept" others from different ethnic and religious backgrounds moving into their state but deep down they resent and feel that any "outsiders" are a threat to their way of life. I know this for a fact because I endured some of the worse prejudice while living there. Just to give you an example the chief of police from the town I was living at made this comment to me which I think really sums it up "so you just another one of these people that are coming in from" I left that ending blank but you get the picture. This is true staement and I am not making it up, I wanted to file a formal complaint to the mayor but if I did that I know I was gonna be a "marked" man in that town. I was so upset about this comment addressed to me especially since I served my country for over 20 years in the Navy. We Americans should be able to live anywhere we want to in the US especially veterans without being treated with disrespect like that. I stongly believe in freedom of religion but living in that state really put a sour taste in my mouth for the LDS community.
You're full of crap. I'm gay, and lived here all my life...I think I would have a better chance at alienation than you, and I rarely experience it. As a matter of fact, it's other places throughout the country who are rude and alienating toward me when they find out I am from Utah and, while not a mormon anymore, was raised mormon.
There isn't a single cop here who would ask that question. Utah has an extraordinary degree of population growth that comes from many states, and countries. A chief of police would no less understand this fact and generally wouldn't be interested in harassing you about where you came from. For that matter...your "quote" sounds like something from a cheesy movie.
Only people who lie make statements like that.
You're a bigoted person... bigoted enough to come on here and lie about others. And yes...you're being called out by someone who has real reasons to dislike the LDS church.
With more than a billion people, India is the largest, and most TOLERANT, democracy on earth. Hinduism is not a "pagan" religion. To an outsider, it seems pantheistic, but ultimately it all comes back to One supreme Being. Plus, as seen here in Utah, they know how to have a good time. That's more than I can say of many of the world's stuffy, judgmental, intolerant religions. Love God, and have fun.
you are so right!
Don't you mean polytheistic? (multiple gods?)
They definitely do know how to have fun!!! The live bands were amazing, and they brought out the coolest people!!!
I especially liked the "free hugs" guys going around practically begging for hugs...they were funny as hell!
TY zencowboy, I couldn't have said it better. In the words of Andrew Greeley: "I think the real problem for American religion are those minority of fundamentalists who try to identify political policies with religion." I.E.: No Muslim Temples in NYC and No Hindus allowed in Utah.
Pitiful posts from a so called Tolerent religion that preaches love and brotherhood (or shoould I say Breaches?
Actually, JohnS, that's a very popularly perpetuated misconception. Jesus clearly delineated between those who were children of God and those who are not - John 8:39-46 particularly.
Well it doesn't really matter what Jesus "said" or what you think he "said". This is a secular country and I for one am glad that Hindus can celebrate their beliefs here.
How utterly ARROGANT of these so-called "christians" to ASSume or infer that their religion is the only that is "right, correct, real, true, etc". They are ONE of THOUSANDS of religions and THOUSANDS of 'gods'. To think that theirs is any more REAL than ANY other god is pure lunacy. At least Hindu's and Buddhists are not VILE, JUDGEMENTAL, HYPOCRITICAL, SMUG, ARROGANT and SELF-RIGHTEOUS like the people (christians) who degrade and mock them. If there IS a heaven or a hell.... the christians had better stock up on ice chests and fire retardant garments.
KidsRGrownNow: Continue growing son; when you reach the stage that you can think outside the book you will come to realize that:
In closing think of the words of Plato: "You are young, my son, and, as the years go by, time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters." Neither You nor I have an awareness large enough to consider God's Plan for us and we can only pray that our INDIVIDUAL understanding of existence is enough to lead us to the right path.
let people celebrate spring without any judgemental crap from the christians. despite what you want christianity is not the only religon nor the best.
Whatever may be the individual opinions, one is "right" from one's own standpoint. However, what is Truth? Please seek it; do not abandon a sincere and polite search. We human beings can see, touch, feel, hear, taste etc. - do all things that every living being [including all animals do]. What sets humans apart is "being human" - think, imagine, contemplate, seek "who am I" and learn the relationship to the manifest and the unmanifest. Go beyond just a superficial observation and uninformed reaction. That is what a seeker does, especially quite well if one may believe in God. Why get upset? It is all His or Her - the Supreme. Another reality is that each of bring "what" to earth when born, and take away "what" when it is time to depart? Belief is wonderful for each one, for one's own sake and not to waste time on what the "other" may be. Who is that "other"?
Whatever may be the individual opinions, one is "right" from one's own standpoint. However, what is Truth? Please seek it; do not abandon a sincere and polite search. We human beings can see, touch, feel, hear, taste etc. - do all things that every living being [including all animals do]. What sets humans apart is "being human" - think, imagine, contemplate, seek "who am I" and learn the relationship to the manifest and the unmanifest. Go beyond just a superficial observation and uninformed reaction. That is what a seeker does, especially quite well if one may believe in God. Why get upset? It is all His or Her - the Supreme. Another reality is that each one brings "what" to earth when born, and take away "what" when it is time to depart? Belief is wonderful for each one, for one's own sake and not to waste time on what the "other" may be. Who is that "other"?
Honestly why do people really care what others are worshiping? I don't follow Hinduism but that doesn't mean no one else can. Seems to me the most hateful people on here are the most unchristian like. Yes god has said do not worship anyone but me but he also says love thy neighbor. Guess ya'll are going to hell too!!
Why is your Christian God better than their Hindu God? How ignorant are you?
I apologize for the comment above, as I forgot, your God speaks english only unlike that radical Hindu God.
umm, yes Jesus speaks english...french and japanese too, he's omniscient. FYI He was born in Nazareth and spoke Aramaic...just saying buddy, lame comment. That being said just respect each other and each others individual beliefs. Seems simple to me.
Sorry bub...there is no proof that Jesus ever spoke any language because there is no PROOF of Jesus ever existing. And don't start w/circular arguments quoting the bible.... the biggest work of fiction ever told.
Worship and praise are universally good. God knows no boundaries, while in the Suchindrum Temple in Kerala India, I prayed to the Holy Spirit. Your expression of faith is good no matter what it is, it's all about joy and loving God.
why has this turned into a debate against mormons. ( I am not mormon, and think the theology is ridiculous myself, but to each his own) Just an fyi, the LDS church paid to finish that temple you see there in the background of those pictures.
the people that immediately started to insult the mormons are ignorant, and should probably stick trolling their wow forums. To all others, appreciate this holiday for spirit it was intended and realize that about 70% of the people in that festival were mormons.
Thomas, thanks for the post. Several contemporaries of my children attend BYU and about this time of year their Facebook pages will have updates filled with color. I believe 70% sounds about right. The LDS church has a long history of religious tolerance.
The thing none of you realize is that probably 70-80% of the attendees at this festival are BYU Mormons, who go to increase their understanding of other cultures and religions and also just to have a great time. The world isn't all as cynical as some of you other commenters.
In the first place, Hindus aren't pagans. In the second place, the sickening ignorance and self-righteous judgmental comments from so-called "Christians" on here nauseates me. If that's "Christianity," I want no part of it, and I don't wonder why fewer and fewer Americans want no part of it, either. You're killing your own religion with your intolerance and narrow-mindedness.
You all need to realize that probably 70-80% of the attendees at this festival are Mormon students from BYU who go every year to increase their understanding of other beautiful cultures and religions, as well as to just have a fun time. The world isn't as cynical or as black and white as some of you commenters seem to think. There is beauty everywhere.
These photos do not identify who in the photos are Hindu. The Hindu population in Utah is less than 1%, so the rest are just fun-loving kids of every denomination out to have fun by throwing things at each other. Remember, Utahns in general don't drink, so they find other ways to have fun.
Actually, that's not true...even of mormons. Only heavily practicing mormons (those who are preparing for missions, temple recommends) tend to be off the juice...many of the rest, including regular church-goers imbibe infrequently.
It's all the same GOD, morons! You think GOD doesn't know that we all mean well and want to please him? GOD speaks to us in many different ways, so it makes sense that religions have all differed, too. Jesus died for us all whether we believe it or not and that's the beauty of it. GOD gave us the freedom to think for ourselves and to believe or not. I have Jesus in my heart and I still find no problem celebrating for any reason at all. I can't stand those that think we can't have a good time if it's not all about Jesus. Peace, Love, and Happiness to all!
The photos do not identify what religion these people belong to. Utah is less than 1% Hindu, so the rest are just kids of every denomination out to have fun by throwing bags of colored chalk at each other. For most of these people, the celebration has nothing to do with religion whatsoever. Everyone are God's children.
I live in Utah and am very active in the LDS church along with my family. Two of my kids went to this festival. One is going to the University of Utah and the other is attending Brigham Young University. My boy at the U (who lives at home) went down to the Hindu Temple with some friends and met up with my daughter from BYU. According to their reports, while I'm sure there are a number of faithful Hindus in Utah along with so many other religions, a large part of that crowd consists of students from nearby BYU. The kids went to have some fun with only a secondary motivation to respect another religion, which, you have to admit has some pretty fun celebrations. It never even entered my mind that my kids were possibly converting to Hinduism as much as I am pleased they have such respect for other religions, at least the fun ones. The only downside was my wife was not happy to find my college boy's multi-colored clothes in the laundry room. Several washings have not yet cleared all the festival colors.
Very cool... :-)
Easy to buy new clothes, or better yet, save them for next year festival...cheers
I ruined...
(I'm gay, that's why all the brands)...
...but it was TOTALLY worth it!!!!
Love your family- your parents,children,siblings...be kind to fellow beings- and you will find god,right inside of you.
Hey sirbubba, true, I'm sure Jesus speaks english, I'm sure he speaks french and japanese as well. Afterall, He is our omniscient Lord and Savior. FYI he was born in Nazareth and spoke Aramaic...just saying...sorry but that was a lame comment buddy. That being said, just respect eachother and respect eachothers individual beliefs... seems simple to me
The irony of this is that Islam Messiah is Jesus with the same Prophets such as Adam, Moses, and Abraham. Yet many people in America hate Islam. Please conduct a search of Jesus and Islam. All religions should be welcomed.