Flash Brush
The first-ever Fort Worth Festival of Colors is prepping for a family-friendly day of fun, music, and food at the Panther Island Pavilion on March 16. This 14-year-old event is usually only held in the Dallas area, however, a spokesperson with the festival says they are ready to expand this celebration to Cowtown in style.
This new Fort Worth celebration will run from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature food trucks, live music, and a family-friendly environment. That being said, this is not a pet friendly event, however. So far, confirmed acts at this festival include DFW artist Ryli Dylan, and number one female Dallas DJ Sno White (aka Mary White).
For those of you not familiar with what a color festival is, it really has more to do with the change in season than anything else. However, over the years, this celebration of life has become a place for people to let go of their past animosities and move on with a renewed spirit. More formally known as the Holi Mela, this festival uses colorful powders to create a sense of unity among festival attendees.
“What really happens is, we lose discrimination based on cast, color, [and] creed — we are just one,” Vijay Moksha founder of Mystic Mandala, a North Texas organization that provides holistic approaches to health, wealth, and wellness says.
During this festival, attendees apply generous amounts of moisture to their skin before a colorful array of non-toxic powder is thrown on them to represent unity. Since these powders may stain your clothes, festival organizers advise attendees to wear old clothing and shoes to the party.
Attendees are also encouraged to wear white clothing, so the colorful powder shows; that and it will make for some amazing photos. Another pro tip, organizers are pushing out, is for attendees to cover their car seats with old towels, blankets, or plastic for the car ride home, so as not to stain your car’s interior.
Ananda Kripa, spokesperson for the event, estimates a turnout of 2,000 people for this first-time Fort Worth festival, which usually cranks out an attendance of 10,000 when held in Dallas. Tickets for this event are $10 per person, with an additional $10 parking fee. Children 10 and under will be admitted for free. College students can also attend this event for free as long as they bring a college ID.
The Holi is a very popular and significant Hindu festival that was created to celebrate the colors of the spring season. It also represents the celebration of the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.
For more information visit: www.fortworthfestivalofcolors.com
