JP\/19\/HOLI<\/p>\n
India Club Jakarta celebrates fiesty spirit of 'Holi'<\/p>\n
Joyeeta Dutta Ray, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
On March 26, an army of 600 prepared for an attack.
\nThe targets were each other. The battleground was Hotel Plaza,
\nKota Bukit Indah, Purwakarta. The warriors were members of the
\nIndia Club of Jakarta. The trigger Holi, the festival of colors.<\/p>\n
Holi, India's celebration of the arrival of spring, is an
\noccasion that brings out the spirit of boisterous joy in all.<\/p>\n
A convoy of six buses and 75 cars carrying 600 people,
\nincluding children, drove out of Jakarta with merriment in mind.
\nThe response this year was overwhelming, exceeding that of any
\nother year in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
At Hotel Plaza, Purwakarta, the army was greeted with inviting
\nsnacks and exciting entertainment to keep the surge of adrenalin
\nflowing.<\/p>\n
Acrobats, a magic show and a live orchestra with Indonesian
\ndancers swaying to vibrant Indian songs were some of the
\narrangements organized by India Club committee members. A gala
\ndinner marked the end of the evening.<\/p>\n
Early in the morning on March 27, the group prepared for their
\nfirst attack. The target was a sumptuous breakfast buffet spread.
\nNext, they fished out old outfits to gear up for the onslaught
\nahead.<\/p>\n
Young and old alike armed themselves with appropriate
\nammunition -- pouches of colored powder and water guns. At 10
\na.m., when a few dared to cross the LOC (Line of Control), \"war\"
\nwas declared. Cries of \"Happy Holi\" rang through the air. Water
\npistols were positioned to drench the unsuspecting.<\/p>\n
In a matter of minutes, every participant was doused in all
\ncolors of the rainbow. The washable gulal (colored powder),
\nimported from India, ensured that the hotel's property remained
\nundamaged. It did play havoc on the identity of the warriors,
\nthough. It was easy to wage war incognito.<\/p>\n
An hour-and-a-half later, a mutual truce was declared. Each
\none was requested to lay down their weapons and wash off the
\nfearsome residue. Although things were just warming up, all gave
\nin. Reluctantly, the army marched toward the nearest washrooms.<\/p>\n
By mid-morning, aggression was laid to rest and embraces
\ngoverned the scene. A lavish Indian lunch followed to celebrate
\nthe moment: The \"war\" was over.<\/p>\n
Verbal medals of appreciation were awarded to each committee
\nmember: Nalin Rathod (president of India Club Jakarta), Prasoon
\nMukherjee (vice-president), C.S. Sheshadri (treasurer), Samtani
\nMirchu (general secretary) and committee members T.G. Sridhar,
\nAmit Baxi, Ameesh Anand, J.M. Bhalgat, Moona Ravindra, K.B.Tiwari
\nand Rakesh Jain.<\/p>\n
At 2 p.m. the convoy retreated. Peace reigns in Purwakarta
\nnow.<\/p>\n
Holi had clearly emerged victorious.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jp19holi-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }