(SPOT.ph) One could argue that there's no spring in the Philippines, but that's not a strong enough excuse to skip a good time. Yesterday, March 20, Asia Society Philippines brought to life India's lively Holi Festival on the Mall of Asia grounds. The vibrant street party, famous for its use of colored powder, marks the beginning of spring in India. It's known as the happiest and most colorful festival of the Hindus.
The Holi Festival is all about having fun. "There's no distinction in age, color, friends, enemies, or economic status," says India's Ambassador to the Philippines, Lalduhthlana Ralte. "It blends very well with the nature of the Filipinos and the festivities in Manila."
And because everyone there had to have the highest energy level to keep up with the dancing (Bollywood tunes can make you dance like you've never done before), partying (trust us, the excitement was contagious), and tossing powder in the air, the likes of Kashmir, Bollywood, Royal Indian Curry House, Green Dot, and Saffron Plates presented an array of delicious Indian specialties.
If you're not one for high-energy partying, there was the option to park yourself at the food area (where powder was strictly forbidden) and spice up your life.
Here's what you missed at the 2016 Holi Manila (and why you shouldn't miss next year's fun):
Everyone got a "welcome" dab of powder at the entrance.
The countdown to throw powder happened every hour.
Happy Holi!
Anyone was welcome to join in the festivities.
Missed a spot!
The Holi Festival was also a great way to make new friends.
Race, nationality, class are ignored during this day.
Henna tattoos were part of the non-partying activities.
Participants doing rangoli
Rangoli is an artform where patterns are created on the floor using colorful materials (rice, flowers, sand, et cetera)
Pani Puri from Saffron Plates, an Indian food delivery service located in Makati City. Pani Puri is a beloved Indian street food made of crunchy bread baubles drizzled with sauce. For orders, contact Saffron Plates at 779-7122.
Idly Sambar from Royal Indian Curry House. Read more about Royal Indian Curry House.
Tandoori Chicken from Queens Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine.
More tandoor offerings from Kashmir
Kashmir, which is at 816 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, also presented delicious samosas for those taking a quick break in between the partying.
Holi's festive colors are captured on this cake by Green Dot. You can find them post-Holi at 9037 Hormiga Street, Makati City.
Photos by Majoy Siason