VOLUME 18, ISSUE 6

May 2024

A Festival of Colors: Maggie Walker’s First Holi Color Throw

By: Tanvi Palavalas

Color, color, and more color! Holi, the vibrant Indian festival celebrated with a kaleidoscope of colors, encapsulates centuries of tradition dating back to the 4th century. Also named the "festival of colors," Holi is a joyful occasion symbolizing victory, love, and the arrival of spring. Rooted in Hindu mythology, it underscores the eternal battle between good and evil, while emphasizing the renewal of life and the blossoming of nature.

This festival transcends geographical boundaries, permeating throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond, as communities around the world embrace its spirit. Recently, the essence of Holi found a new home at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, where students and faculty collaborated to host the inaugural color throw, hopefully marking the beginning of a new cherished tradition!

The highlight of the event was the color throw, serving as the culmination of a fundraising and awareness campaign for Akshaya Patra, a remarkable non-profit organization. Akshaya Patra stands as a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to over 2.2 million underprivileged children across 24,000 schools in India daily. Beyond these programs, the organization empowers youth through scholarships, fosters digital education, and champions food security initiatives.

With support from dedicated parents, student leaders orchestrated a delightful spread of chai and biscuits, encouraging students to engage with the cause and participate in the colorful festivities. As laughter and color filled the air, Holi proves to go beyond just celebration; it embodies community and compassion.