Spring has always been a time for celebration. Flowers begin to bloom, birds sing joyful songs, and harsh weather makes way for warm, brilliant sunshine. Across cultures, various customs exist for commemorating this jubilant season, but no one seems to do it better than India. To honor the triumph of good over evil and the advent of Spring harvest, the entire country throws a party like no other, lasting three days and culminating in a boisterous and colorful climax. There are many different versions of the story of the origin of Holi, also known as the Indian Festival of Color, but everyone can agree on one thing: this is a time to lose inhibitions, mend relationships, and celebrate life. On the third and most well-known day of Holi, everyone–young and old, men and women–visits the homes of their friends, family and neighbors, sharing sweets and throwing colored water and powder into the air and on each others’ faces and bodies. On this day, the streets are filled with music, dancing, laughter and, most importantly, color. Social norms are relaxed as festival participants proclaim “bura na mano, Holi hai!”–Hindi for “don’t mind, it’s Holi!”
Next week, March 1st through 5th, Bombay Spice will be offering you a chance to get in on some of the Holi fun! Our new Bombay Platter, a sampler plate including five small portions of our favorite entrées, a choice of brown or basmati rice, a papadum crisp and raita sauce, is just $12 for that week only. Indian beers will be $5 for 22 oz. and lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt smoothie, will be just $2 each, in a rainbow of Holi-ready flavors (choose from plain, mango or strawberry).
If you’re really feeling the Holi spirit, we will be providing some colors of our own for you to leave your mark at Bombay Spice! For inspiration, check out these fantastic Holi pictures from the Boston Globe.