Rites of spring come to Naperville with Indian festival of colors

"Would you like some color?"

The answer was, "of course," as clouds of magenta, gold, indigo and crimson wafted through the air at Naperville's annual Holi - The Festival of Colors event.

Part religious tradition, part celebration of spring, part reconciliation and affirmation of life, the Indian festival drew crowds to the Naperville Riverwalk's Grand Pavilion Saturday.

Bands played rock'n'roll and Indian folk music, savory food spiced the air, and total strangers used $2 bags of corn-starch-based color powder to paint each other's faces and clothing.

As Colette Shelby's dog Saxon lounged in her lap, Pravin Kumar of Naperville touched up his once-white fur with purple accents

The festivities brought back memories of India, said Kumar.

"When I was a kid, (Holi) used to be intense. It's gotten more civil - now people ask if you want color put on you. Before, wherever you were, if you're caught on the streets (during Holi) you're going to get colors."

Lisle resident Shelby's 31-year-old musician son died a few years ago and "our family has adopted this festival as a reaffirmation of life," she said. "Life goes on and you can still find happiness."

The festival is part of the Hindu tradition and occurs at springtime in India. The Naperville event was organized by Simply Vedic, a nonprofit group that raises awareness of the Indian culture.

For Madhuri Maha of Plainfield, Holi marks the victory of good over evil. The two-day festival in India is marked with feasting, fire and "prayers to God to remove the devil from your society," she explained.

But for Kishor Bhandi of Aurora, whose beaming face shone with magenta and yellow, Holi is "celebrating color ... that's all. Happiness, fun, enjoyment and peace."

His friend, Abhjit Ghadje of Aurora, said Holi brings back "the human touch. Back in India, Holi is a medium to meet people, to come together and forget about grievances."

With the exception of a few patches of color, Dipesh Shah's dark sweater looked immaculate compared to his fellow celebrants.

"We'll keep it that way," he said, looking at his rainbow-hued son. "Someone's got to drive home to Schaumburg."