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Published: March 30th 2013
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Holi Festival -Durbar Square
DJ's and the gang hitting out disco songs that trembled Durbar Square It was a long journey to Thamel from Pharpin. At 11.00 am it was blazing hot despite the temperature to be 13 degrees centigrade. I was looking out from the taxi window, hoping to take photographs of the Hindus celebrating Holi festival. Kids and adults splashed water bags onto each other, rubbing color powders on faces as a symbol of being blessed. White shirts became colored, even the bald headed do get same results. Young and old and no matter who you are, you will be rubbed on faces with colors, being hug and sometimes cheek to cheek. Every time I see one on the streets, I could not get a good shot of pictures; my taxi driver just rammed his Maruti taxi like F1. My mind said “Oh it’s just a small group who plays like this, not like what I had seen on Hindustani Movies. Maybe it is just made believe on movies.”
As we snake through the small lanes, the short cuts to Thamel, we have to drive through Durbar Square. There was a massive traffic, and my driver was cursing as he horned. I could hear loud music with people cheering and shouting but I could
Holi Festival -Durbar Square
My Best Photo of Holi festival not see where the party was. My driver told me it is just behind the ancient building that was next to us while we got stuck in that small lane.
I left my driver and I walked to where the bombeat music that led me to. It was “Madness!”
The crowd actually took over the entire Durbar Square, with the DJs on the main stage hitting out music and songs nonstop that drove the crowd crazy, jumping up and down, throwing color powders in the air, sprinkle them with water that really rock them on. The tourists plus I had a great time. I got colored. I felt it coming soon after I smiled back at one boy. Without much hesitation, he came rubbing my face with colors and “Happy Holi” as he hugged me.
So, Lesson One: Never smile back to strangers on occasion like this.
These youngsters are so full of energies, they could walked for two-three kilometers, had fun on the other side of town and walk back to the party again. I was so exhausted as I walked to Thamel, had my picture taken, met three Indians from Calcutta, they took pictures
Holi Festival -Durbar Square
for a moment I thought she is Miss World with me, hugged and danced with me and called me “Uncle”…..and I had to force a smile….hehehehe ...it was fun.
I dare not go any further; I jumped onto a taxi and went back to Boudhanath, where I stay. I enjoyed the entire scenario, my wish came true, both having the photos of the Holi Festival and being colored for that matter. Now I know this Holi festival is real and celebrated grandly in Nepal and India, not just made believe but a good testimony from my goodself.
Come join me for a cuppa….I need a good rest at the pizzaria. Cheers!
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Great photos.
Always good to follow the music.