AUSTIN, TX. (Diya TV) — The past few weeks have been sombre for many Indians across the U.S. With increasing incidents of hate crimes, many are getting calls from loved ones in India, checking if it was safe to continue living here. It was then with a sign of hope, that the festival of colors, Holi, announced the arrival of spring. Besides a late winter chill and thunder showers in Austin, thousands came out to play Holi this weekend.

https://www.facebook.com/DiyaTVusa/videos/10155124707478252/

The popular Holi at Radha Madhav Dham was like a fun healing retreat to those who attended. Participants were down to a third due to the cold rains. People of all communities came together to dance around each other and throw fistful powdered colors at friends and strangers willing to play.

Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek
Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek
Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek
Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek
Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek
Holi celebrations, Ranch at Brushy Creek

Several other temples and various neighborhoods organized the festivities. There was plenty of Bollywood dance and music. Indian hot chai broke into the cold weather to further raise spirits. No one missed getting drenched with water—another quintessential part of Holi that was replaced by the drizzle.

One of the most beautiful aspects of living in a multi-racial country is the sharing of festivals.People of all races bringing forth so many colors of life. Each festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil—one way or the other.