NEW BEGINNINGS

Things are a little different when you’re a child: the trees are taller, the colors are brighter, and experiences are larger. Holi, the festival of colors, was one such bigger and brighter experience from my childhood. People coming together, sprinkling colors, embracing one another regardless of socio-economic status and religion. This fun-filled holiday acknowledged the coming of spring and a promise of new beginnings.

Things are a little different when you’re a child: the trees are taller, the colors are brighter, and experiences are larger.

The last time that I was in India during Holi was over 30 years ago. This year I planned well, arriving a couple of days early - ready to be drenched from head toe and be a colorful mess, like many others. However, the universe had its own plans. The fast-approaching Coronavirus was spinning out of control and people were gripped with panic, fear and scarcity. Are Indians REALLY not going to celebrate Holi? What about New-Beginnings? And Spring Season?!! The festival came and went with little fanfare. The boisterous celebrations were subdued and people stayed away from crowds. I sat alone in my hotel room, wishing for that vivid childhood memory.

Meanwhile, Mother Earth continued her steady course around the Sun - unperturbed by the panic and the pandemic. Spring equinox arrived with its full promise of growth and new beginnings. The tulips popped their heads up to keep the daffodils company. April showers appeared. And the cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show. The skies cleared and the birds chirped.

Spring equinox arrived with its full promise of growth and new beginnings. The tulips popped their heads up to keep the daffodils company.

This year, Mother Earth celebrated Holi in an unconventional way. Bringing people together, not with a play of vibrant colors, but through a global pandemic - encircling every nationality, ethnicity and socio-economic status. It kept its promise of new beginnings and summoned all to new responsibilities and duties.

It reminded us, lest we forgot, that the only constant in life is Change. Everything that has a beginning has an end. I am confident we will come out stronger because of this.

Only constant in life is Change. Everything that has a beginning has an end.

belated happy Holi, all

wishing you joy & laughter,

new beginnings & vibrant colors

~ Rimmi Singh