Festival of Color

March 24, 2012 Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Spanish Fork Utah. I know the first few thoughts you have are what are you talking about, and what does it have to do with fishing? The answer is that it has nothing to do with fishing, except that fishing is an event, and so is going to a Krishna “Festival of Colors” in Spanish Fork Utah. The next questions you probably have are what Festival of Colors is and even better, there is a Krishna temple in Spanish Fork Utah? Yes there is, and I cannot explain how the good folks of Utah Valley world allow a Krishna temple to be built in the heart of Zion. I have no answers in that area—none what so ever.

Here is another puzzling question for you: why did Krishna followers build this substantial temple in Spanish Fork? I don’t know of any Krishna’s in all of Utah. There are a lot of Hippie, tree huggin, festival going, free thinking, love sharing individuals existing on the outskirts of society in Utah, that would be attracted to events like “Festival of Colors,” but that is something altogether different than being an active Krishna—Right?

At any rate in the spring the Krishna’s celebrate Holi or the coming of spring, sort of the end of winter, and the entrance of spring. The colors of spring are back into the world and a “festival of Colors,” marks that joyous time.  There was also a burning of the evil demon sister of King Hiranyakashyap. An effigy of her is burned to celebrate Lord Vishnu’s victory over the evil witch, who would burn children. All this sounds like a lot of exotic eastern thought, witch burning, and pagan spring merriment for Utah County? Maybe this marks the beginning of diversity of thought to Zion—good on ‘em!

Going to the festival was my oldest daughter’s idea, home from Dixie State College for the weekend. Her and her friend Erica talked the mom, dad and little sister Jac into attending; and we are all glad we did, it was a lot of fun. About every two hours or so, they do a countdown, and everyone throws colored chalk into the air. In the meantime, everyone’s grooving to live music, giving out free hugs and throwing color on anyone who isn’t already covered in chalk.

Great time was had by all, our family has done its part to usher in spring, and we can also say we have taken steps to ward off evil witch spirits. Good job Utah Krishna’s you have done a good thing for the valley—where ever you are and whoever you may be.