International Baccalaureate Student Organization (IBSO) members gathered in Harper Park on Sunday, March 25 to celebrate Holi, a festival with Hindu origins. Some students were familiar with the festival that welcomes spring, but those who did not know of its history were able to learn about the legend on which it was based.

“The word ‘Holi’ comes from Holika, the sister of the evil king Hiranyakashipu,” Maanasa Cherukuvada ‘19 said. “Hiranyakashipu wanted everyone to worship him, but Prahlada refused and only worshipped Vishnu. After trying many other methods to kill him, Holika finally tricked him into sitting on a fire with her. She had a cloak that protected her from the fire, but that cloak flew and protected Prahlada because he was a devoted, good individual. Before the colors, there is a bonfire to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.”

Holi involved the throwing of color powder at other students, teachers, and anyone else present.

“I decided to come because I wanted to be in more IB events and I’ve heard a lot about [this],” Bianca Widjaja ‘19 said. “I think it’s something that I’ve never tried before. We got to learn more about this ancient Indian tradition, and I thought it was cool.”

The event was also a time for the IB community to gather and enjoy themselves before IB testing began.

“It’s one of the many traditions of IB it brings the entire community together,” Mona Dong ‘18 said. “I think it’s a great way to end the year, throwing powder at people’s faces.”

At the event, bags of colored powder were sold, with proceeds going to the Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA). The organization also gave out bracelets with color symbolism, attached to a card with a hotline number and information about AFSSA. Students were encouraged to distribute the cards, which state language of fluency, to anyone not proficient in English to use in situations such as being pulled over while driving.

“We’ve had a wonderful partnership with [AFSSA] for years and years,” social studies teacher Ms. Kelly Saenz said. “Holi is a part of that. It does good for our community and it does good for us.”