Holi Toledo to return to campus April 13

April 11, 2016 | Events, UToday, — Languages, Literature and Social Sciences
By Ashley Gearheart



While spring snow postponed the Color Run Saturday, sunny skies are in the forecast for midweek and The University of Toledo campus will be covered in vibrant hues for the celebration of Holi Toledo.

Holi, an Indian holiday meant to welcome spring, will be celebrated at The University of Toledo for its third consecutive year on Wednesday, April 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the grounds outside Memorial Field House. In case of rain, there is an alternate date set for Wednesday, April 20, from 3 to 5 p.m.

holi toledo 2016Holi has been observed all over India since ancient times as a celebration of the arrival of spring. For many Hindus, Holi serves as an opportunity to loosen social restrictions and bridge social gaps to bring people of different statuses together.

“[Holi Toledo is] a great venue to talk directly with people from other religions and cultures about what matters to them. It’s an immersion in one of the world’s longest continuously practiced holidays,” said Dr. Jeanine Diller, director of the Center for Religious Understanding. “It’s a lot of fun!”

The event will involve throwing color powder in an area surrounded by booths created by religious and cultural student organizations. There will be music, color blasts every 30 minutes, and prizes for the most colorful individual and participants who visit five or more booths.

To receive color to throw, participants must visit booths and ask a quick question about an inspiration, journey or tradition. The T-shirts worn by those running the booths will hint at which question to ask.

Hundreds of people are expected to participate in this year’s Holi Toledo, which is sponsored by the Center for Religious Understanding, the Center for International Studies and Programs, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Engagement, and the Division of Student Affairs.

All students, faculty, employees and community members are welcome to participate.

For more information, contact Diller at jeanine.diller@utoledo.edu.

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