April 18, 2019

Asian holiday observed with colorful powder and fun at SVSU event

An enthusiastic celebration of culture and color will return to Saginaw Valley State University this week.

The Holi Festival of Colors is planned Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. largely in SVSU’s James E. O’Neill Arena in the Ryder Center.

Perhaps the most visually-recognizable element of the tradition — a fun spectacle featuring attendees throwing 300 lbs. of colorful powder at themselves and each other — is expected to take place between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. near the outdoors pond by the Ryder Center.

The South Asian Student Association, a registered student organization at SVSU, organizes the event each year. The annual holiday celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil, organizers say. The tradition encourages participants to throw colorful powder at each other.

In addition to the 300 lbs. of powder, the crowd can also utilize about 1,500 water balloons and water-spraying tools as part of the celebration, organizers say.

The event also will include South Asian-based food, dance and music.

Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for SVSU students. Attendees can pay $5 to participate exclusively in the color throw. Children ages 6 and under can participate for free.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sasasvsu.org or contact the South Asian Student Association at sasasvsu@gmail.com.