Quincy Holi festival is literally an explosion of colors. Oh, and the food sounds amazing

QUINCY ‒ The Hindu spring festival of Holi will be celebrated for the first time in Quincy with food, music, dancing and the explosion of colors that is the most visible aspect of the two-day holiday.

The event takes place on Sunday, May 5, at Cavanagh Stadium, next to North Quincy High School, from noon to 2 p.m.

What is Holi?

Holi marks the beginning of spring, according to the Hindu American Federation. Its first day is marked by dancing around bonfires to let go of harmful thoughts and habits.

The second day is celebrated by the throwing of a rainbow of colorful powders called gulal at one another while dancing to traditional music.

These rituals are based on two Hindu religious narratives, the Hindu American Foundations says. In one, Vishnu, the god of preservation and protection of the universe, saves a devotee from being burned in a fire by an evil demon. In the second, Krishna, the Hindu god of love, compassion and protection, soaks his beloved goddess wife, Radha, in colorful waters as an expression of their love.

The event website includes a series of videos featuring Quincy public school students explaining the significance of the festival and their excitement to share the holiday with friends and community for the first time.

"Holi is special because people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate love, happiness and new beginnings," said one student.

"All of my non-Indian friends are going to experience the fun of throwing colors on each other," said another student.

What is on the menu for Quincy's Holi?

The event's Facebook page shows a menu including different Indian foods, including samosas, Bombay sandwiches and "veg puffs" made from pastry filled with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Jalebi, a kind of sweet pretzel made from batter soaked in syrup, will be available for dessert. To drink, aside from water and soda, attendants can buy cardamom tea and mango lassi, a kind yogurt-based smoothie.

All items on the menu cost $5. The event itself is free of charge.

What types of activities and entertainment will be at the Quincy Holi festival

Holi means being soaked in color, and the main activity entails being showered − and showering others − with colorful powders called gulal.

Organizers recommend participants to wear a old, comfortable and preferably white clothing for this purpose. The white clothing helps the colors stand out. It is also suggested to moisturize your hair and skin and cover car seats with old sheets and towels.

The Holi festival will include traditional dancing and a DJ and emcee, according its Facebook page.

Peter Blandino covers Quincy. You can reach him at pblandino@patriotledger.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Holi festival to be held in Quincy this weekend