Schenectady’s Hindu community celebrates Festival of Colors

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SCHENECTADY — Vickram Ramcharran was all smiles as he ran through the parking lot of the Schenectady Hindu Temple on Sunday, throwing handfuls of colorful powder at the dozens gathered, who returned the favor in kind. 

Others danced to the thunderous music that filled the air while families and friends embraced and posed for the occasional selfie. Everyone was smiling, including those who watched from afar.

The group gathered to celebrate Holi, the Hindu new year that marks the arrival of spring and provides those who celebrate an opportunity to reset. The holiday, which dates back thousands of years, is celebrated over the course of two days, which culminates in the Festival of Colors.

On Sunday, those at the temple, located in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood, were spotted throwing various shades of green, red, purple and pink into the air, which Ramcharran, the temple’s vice president, said are meant to represent the various colors of spring.

“This is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, where everyone gets together, plays and has a good time,” he said.

Sunday’s event was more muted compared to past festivals, but was larger than the past two celebrations due to the pandemic, according to Punema Singh, the temple’s organization secretary.

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Normally, members from five temples gather to celebrate, but smaller festivities were held at each temple this year due to concerns about the virus, said Singh, who noted a larger celebration is being planned for next year.

“This year is better because we’re one family,” she said. “The community is together, and it’s all about being together.”

Those that gathered were able to share a meal and partake in a number of activities, including karaoke, that were scheduled to take place throughout the afternoon.

In addition to welcoming spring, Holi represents the triumph of good over evil, which can be traced back to the legend of the demon King Hiranyakashipu, who could not be killed by either man or animal and demanded he be worshiped.

His son, Prahlada, refused, and Hiranyakashipu plotted to have him killed but failed. Hiranyakashipu was later slain by Vishnu, a Hindu deity, who appeared in the form of a half-man, half-lion.

Raywattie Kellawon, a member of the Schenectady Hindu Temple, said many are simply unaware of Holi despite its significance in the Hindu culture. She is working to have the holiday added to the school calendar and hopes that Holi eventually becomes a nationally recognized holiday.

“We haven’t been recognized enough,” she said.

Children, carrying bags full of colorful powder, weaved their way through the crowd, dusting their parents in color before running off. When the adults caught up, the children were received handfuls of powder on their own.

“It’s wonderful,” said Singh, whose face was covered in green and purple and had a smile that was hard to miss.

Others in attendance appeared just as happy, including City Councilman John Mootooveren, who is Guyanese, and was spotted posing for numerous photos and throwing handfuls of colorful powder into the air. He was joined by Council President Marion Porterfield.

“I’m excited. The community can get out and celebrate their culture,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, to join them in celebrating.”

Contact reporter Chad Arnold at: 518-410-5117 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @ChadGArnold.  

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Categories: News, Schenectady, Schenectady County