Holi

Saturday was Holi. The fun, colorful Indian festival. I kinda missed celebrating Holi. Which is a little weird because its not my most favorite of festivals. I think I know why; it was because when I was about 9 years old, my friends decided that it would be great to use paint! Not just kids, we had some adults going crazy with the paint. I think the paint removal process traumatized me!!
At that time, my dad was posted at this little army cantonment in Jammu and Kashmir. It was pretty much on the border of J&K and Punjab. I have the fondest memories of that place. Waking up early to fill a tub with water balloons and then go on the prowl. The only day when hitting an adult with a water balloon did not get you in trouble! We used to have huge parties in the Army Officers Mess. Holi would bring out rainbow colored people, who spent the morning wishing and coloring friends and then having brunch. Maybe I associate Holi with being a kid and that just calls me sometimes, you know going back in time, being a kid again.
Another holi memory is of the time when I was in the 10th Grade. I was taking my 10th board exams, which are a huge deal, and I think Holi was right before an exam. I was so distracted seeing kids running around. In a way I was happy that I did not have to go out a play holi. Those water balloons are not fun when you get hit, but fun to throw!
As every year passes in a far away country, every festival acutely focuses on how far away I am.