- September 6, 2024
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Holi is a Hindu religious festival, but one does not simply observe Holi.
Megha Vaid, president of the Indian Association of Manasota, said Holi is "played" and can even get “rowdy.”
“You’re going to run around, and people are going to come after you and throw water at you,” she said. “You play.”
The water and powders thrown during Holi are different colors because Holi is the Festival of Colors. Vaid said colors play a significant role in Indian culture. A bride wouldn’t wear white to her wedding.
“Red, orange, yellow, pink — those are the colors that signify prosperity and love,” Vaid said.
Vaid grew up in Delhi. She and her husband, Veeraish Chauhan, moved to the United States to pursue higher education in 2007. She’s a dentist and he’s a doctor.
Their 13-year old daughter Adaa and 11-year-old son Veer were born in the United States.
“That’s one reason we do all this (being involved in the Indian Association), so that the kids also learn about their culture,” Vaid said. “How many times will you go back to India to see all the festivals — you won’t.”
However, the association is open to all residents — Indian or not. Residents from neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, are welcome, along with anyone from any background who has an interest in Indian culture.
Vaid said Holi, especially, is something to see.
“There are people who just come with their lawn chairs, and sit and watch,” she said.
The association hosts four core events each year — a picnic at Summerfield Park in January that celebrates Republic Day, Holi at Lake Manatee State Park in March, Garba Night at Riverview High School in October and an annual dinner gala at Nathan Benderson Park in December.
The association organizes other events, too. On Aug. 4, it’s hosting a cricket game day for kids and adults at the Sarasota International Cricket Club. The day begins with a coaching session, and a “friendly game" will follow.
“They say India has two religions: One, the religion that people follow and second is cricket,” Vaid said. “India just won the World Cup for cricket (in June). The U.S. had a team this year — 90% made up of Indian players.”
For the members who are Indian, the club provides some of the comforts of home. Members who know the area help newcomers get acclimated.
Vaid said that members were spending so much time on the phone answering questions that they added a FAQ page to the website, where people can find a local Indian market and a house of worship.
Tampa is recommended as the closest city to find all major religious institutions, but there are several Indian markets between Sarasota and Bradenton.
Food is a big part of all Indian festivals.
“People love Indian food,” Vaid said. “We have a guy come from Tampa for every Holi, so people know there’s going to be hot, fresh dosas being made on the spot.”
Vaid described a dosa as an Indian crepe. Thandai is also served. It’s a traditional milk drink flavored with saffron, cardamom and almonds.
The family moved to Bridgewater in 2012. They moved into the second house that was built in the then new neighborhood.
Vaid said the family and their traditions have been welcomed by their neighbors, and she loves that her children get the best of both worlds growing up in Lakewood Ranch. In the fall, the kids celebrate Halloween and Diwali.
Before Diwali, Vaid sends out a message letting her neighbors know that they’ll be lighting firecrackers to celebrate. The typical response is, “Happy Diwali!” No one has ever complained about the noise.
Giving sweets to neighbors and loved ones is another part of the custom.
“I have a friend who lives here and is non-Indian; she comes and gives me sweets on Diwali,” Vaid said. “It’s wonderful that now they know about it, they want to be a part of it. And they make that extra effort to make sure that we feel happy and a part of the community.”
Formed in the 1980s by a group of physicians living in Bradenton, Vaid said the association’s original intent was to just bring the Indian community together, but over the years, it’s expanded to involve the entire community.
Garba Night is celebrated during Diwali. The association paired it with a cultural event. This year’s theme is the festivals of India.
“I love the fact that the people here are so open to learning things,” Vaid said. “You want to do more and tell them more.”
The association has about 90 families or over 350 individual members. Annually, the cost is $120 for an individual, $180 for a couple and $280 for a family of four and $50 for every additional member.
