Plainsboro Public Library presents the traditional Indian spring festival of Holi, marked with characteristic color, on Saturday, March 23. Taking center stage to begin the fun will be Hamid Kahn and other radio personalities and singers. A talent show follows. Be prepared to be greeted with a smear of paint on your face when you enter the event.
A game of Antakshari is planned where songs will be flung among several teams accompanied with music. In a style similar to the car game where people string together names using the last letter of the previous name as the first letter of the next, Antakshari challenges the uninhibited to sing a song whose first letter is the same as the last letter of the previous song. Sign up at the library to play, or just listen.
“The advent of spring is marked in India by the Holi, an event with some similarities to Halloween. The way people trick during Holi is as colorful as the flowers of spring. Everyone carries pouches of dry powder colors. The moment people respond to their door bells, mischievous hands reach out to color their faces. The visitors cheerfully sing, “It’s Holi! It’s Holi!” Evening brings more entertainment in the form of fairs, with food, amusements, new clothes, and beautiful jewelry for the women.
“We encourage everyone to preserve this true spirit of Holi and dress with brilliance and flair,” says Eileen Burnash, director of the library. “In a word, dress up with an attitude.”
Holi, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Saturday, March 23, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the Indian spring festival marked with color. Music, games, a talent show, and prizes. Each visitor will be greeted with a smear of paint on his face. Free. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
