Hare Krishnas celebrate Festival of Colours (From Watford Observer)

Hare Krishnas celebrate Festival of Colours

4:37pm Wednesday 10th March 2004 in

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SPRING was welcomed in by the Hare Krishna community in Letchmore Heath last week.

Members of the temple at Bhaktivedanta Manor celebrated the Festival of Colours, also known as Holi, as well as the appearance of Lord Chaitanya, known as Gaura Purnima, on Sunday, March 7.

The celebration comes just a week after members of the Hare Krishna sect braved chilly weather conditions to plan more than 6,000 trees and shrubs on the perimeter of the manor estate.

Spokesman Bimal Krishna das said: "Traditionally, the festival of Holi is celebrated as a harvest festival, welcoming the colourful spring season in India. It is a time when seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and when the country rises from its winter slumber.

"Holi is derived from the word 'Hola', to offer oblations or prayers to God as a thanksgiving for good harvests."

He added: "The festival of Holi is celebrated by Hindus across the world. In the United Kingdom, it is celebrated by 600,000 Hindus to remind pilgrims that those who love God shall be protected."

The festivities included vegetarian food and traditional Indian music. At 8pm, a huge bonfire was lit while coloured powder and water was thrown and sprayed.

Hare Krishna devotees also celebrated the birthday of Lord Chaitanya, an incarnation of Krishna, who is said to have appeared in West Bengal in India in the 15th Century.

The festival, known as Gaura-Purnima, is one of the most significant festivals in the Hare Krishna calendar.