Library helps celebrate Indian festival of colors
By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer

Vidyut Veedgav and Abhinar Peguda get some help from their mothers, Ranjani Ramarar and Nagaja Peguda, as they work on a color activity at the Shrewsbury Public Library March 21 during a Holi celebration. MARY PRITCHARD

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury Public Library Children's Room was bustling on the morning of March 21 as children dropped in to participate in a celebration of Holi, the Indian festival of colors. The celebration included several stories as well as crafts and activities all relating to color.

"Holi is celebrated to herald the arrival of spring and celebrate the colors in nature," said Priya Rathnam, who facilitated the program. "Celebrations in India would include a bonfire the evening before Holi, where people gather to sing, dance and play. On the day of Holi, people celebrate in a carnival like atmosphere, where they will splash and throw colors on each other, using things like paint and water balloons."

This marks the fourth year that the library has off ered a Holi celebration. Rathnam has also been involved with the library for four years as a volunteer, part-time employee and as an intern during her work on a master's degree in library science. She has worked full-time in the children's room since May 2006.

"Shrewsbury has a diverse population and there are a number of Indian families that use the facilities at the library," she said. "I was thrilled when I found that we would get a good response if we off ered special programs for Indian holidays.

"In addition to talking about how the festival is celebrated in India, I can also sneak in some fun activities related to color," she added. "I feel honored that I have this opportunity to teach kids about the Indian culture and create programs that can be enjoyed by all kids."