India, Holi?

[mikewazowski]

After seeing some beautiful scenes of the Festival of Holi in the movie Outsourced I changed my India trip to be during Holi in 2008. My 7-year old I know will love it, but I'm a bit worried as I've heard that women are often a target during these festivals and I don't want to bring my wife into trouble zone (though she's more excited about it than I am). Anyone experienced this holiday? Any advice for celebrating it with children?

[lawgirl4]

I haven't been in India during Holi, but you are right in that the celebrations can get very wild and out of hand, especially towards women, and *especially* towards foreign women. I studied Hinduism in college and grad school and my adviser always cautioned us against participating in the Holi celebrations because things can really get out of hand (and he is someone who normally wants his students very much immersed in the culture).

If I were you, I would try to find a smaller celebration to attend (rather than just hitting the streets) - possibly at your hotel (if you're staying at a large hotel they will probably have a tamer celebration planned). I have lived in India on 2 occasions & traveled there extensively, speak & read Hindi at moderate fluency, but I personally would not want to attend a regular Holi celebration in the streets.

ps - where in india will you be traveling? for how long?