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SPANISH FORK — Once-white t-shirts were splashed with color Saturday afternoon celebrating spring at the Holi Fest, otherwise known as the annual Festival of Colors.
Though some attend just for the chance to throw chalk at one another an experience the wake of color that follows, the festival at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Lotus Temple in Spanish Fork offers a cultural experience complete with food and music.
The festival, traditionally held in India to celebrate spring, and according to one popular legend, the triumph of good over evil.
"The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment," the Krishna Lotus Temple website says. "People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Every nook and corner presents a colorful sight."
The festival in Spanish Fork attracts thousands every year, overflowing the parking lot and streets with people commuting to the colorful festival.
Lindsey Lopez, a Utah State University student, came with her brother Samuel Lopez to the festival.
"They were saying to lovingly decorate each other," she said. "I like it because it's a physical representation of spring. I think it's a great opportunity to really bring color to Utah. This really is about new life and hope, and spring."
She said she attended to learn about the culture, and is writing a research paper about the music at the festival.
"This is a cultural experience for my brother and I," Lindsey Lopez said. "It's just to teach him and I a bit more about other cultures and experiencing it to the fullest. I did research on it, about the music, why they do they color festival."
Top image: Robert S Taylor, submitted through the ksl.com iWitness app.
