JP/19/HOLI

India Club Jakarta celebrates fiesty spirit of 'Holi'

Joyeeta Dutta Ray, Contributor, Jakarta

On March 26, an army of 600 prepared for an attack. The targets were each other. The battleground was Hotel Plaza, Kota Bukit Indah, Purwakarta. The warriors were members of the India Club of Jakarta. The trigger Holi, the festival of colors.

Holi, India's celebration of the arrival of spring, is an occasion that brings out the spirit of boisterous joy in all.

A convoy of six buses and 75 cars carrying 600 people, including children, drove out of Jakarta with merriment in mind. The response this year was overwhelming, exceeding that of any other year in Jakarta.

At Hotel Plaza, Purwakarta, the army was greeted with inviting snacks and exciting entertainment to keep the surge of adrenalin flowing.

Acrobats, a magic show and a live orchestra with Indonesian dancers swaying to vibrant Indian songs were some of the arrangements organized by India Club committee members. A gala dinner marked the end of the evening.

Early in the morning on March 27, the group prepared for their first attack. The target was a sumptuous breakfast buffet spread. Next, they fished out old outfits to gear up for the onslaught ahead.

Young and old alike armed themselves with appropriate ammunition -- pouches of colored powder and water guns. At 10 a.m., when a few dared to cross the LOC (Line of Control), "war" was declared. Cries of "Happy Holi" rang through the air. Water pistols were positioned to drench the unsuspecting.

In a matter of minutes, every participant was doused in all colors of the rainbow. The washable gulal (colored powder), imported from India, ensured that the hotel's property remained undamaged. It did play havoc on the identity of the warriors, though. It was easy to wage war incognito.

An hour-and-a-half later, a mutual truce was declared. Each one was requested to lay down their weapons and wash off the fearsome residue. Although things were just warming up, all gave in. Reluctantly, the army marched toward the nearest washrooms.

By mid-morning, aggression was laid to rest and embraces governed the scene. A lavish Indian lunch followed to celebrate the moment: The "war" was over.

Verbal medals of appreciation were awarded to each committee member: Nalin Rathod (president of India Club Jakarta), Prasoon Mukherjee (vice-president), C.S. Sheshadri (treasurer), Samtani Mirchu (general secretary) and committee members T.G. Sridhar, Amit Baxi, Ameesh Anand, J.M. Bhalgat, Moona Ravindra, K.B.Tiwari and Rakesh Jain.

At 2 p.m. the convoy retreated. Peace reigns in Purwakarta now.

Holi had clearly emerged victorious.