"Rang aur Bhang ki mast"

Kem cho? Mazaa ma? So, Vidya Balan had a clean sweep this year winning all the awards including the national award. Well, I think she deserved it more for her daring to take up such a bold role in the movie Dirty Picture. Her acting was beyond excellence too! Good job Vidya. Finally, Bollywood is offering women centered roles to heroines. An average day today. Sometimes a person just grows on you. That's exactly what is happening in my life these days. When I first met her, did not quite get along, thought she was just not "my" type. But the more I interact with her, the more I am understanding her. In fact, I look forward to meeting her now. Isn't that something? Moral of the story - Do not jump to conclusions about anyone. Remember the mongoose and the snake story?
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Happy Holi friends! The festival of colors is finally here. Bye,bye winter. Hello, Spring! Mention the word Holi to any spirited North Indian and it brings a big smile to their face. To them its a vibrant festival, the joys of which has no bounds. This is one festival, that I have never understood or participated in, so far in my life. What is the big idea of getting wet and getting all covered by colored powder? As, I understand, this is done in order to break all barriers of discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal brotherhood is reaffirmed. One simple reason to participate in this festival. A beautiful thought indeed! Holi as we know, is associated with raaslila, the dance that Lord Krishna carried out in Vrindavan with his devotees known as gopis. Holi comes from the word "hola" which means to offer prayer to the almighty as thanksgiving for good harvest.
     Holi to me means "rang aur bhang ki masti". Rang means color and Bhang is a natural intoxicant. Bhang adds a kick, but an overdose can take the fun out of your Holi. Everyone wants to be the first one to apply color to the other. Since both men and women take part in this festival, it constitutes to be a very sexy event as loved ones drown each other with "gulal" - colored water. Sweets are distributed to people who come across colored powder. Sometimes people act a little irresponsibly as they are high on "Bhang". So we hear people wishing each other not only a fun Holi but also a safe Holi. Temples are beautifully decorated with the idol of Radha placed on swings. Devotees sing devotional songs. I plan to play Holi this Saturday at the local Durga temple with some of my friends. There is a first time for everything. "Holi Hai"!