BRATTLEBORO — Celebrate the full moon energy, shake off the lethargy of winter, and learn about Holi, India's colorful spring festival, at River Gallery School on 32 Main St., on Saturday, March 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.
This community event is an opportunity to experience Indian culture through art making, food, and music. It features free Indian snacks from Shital's Indian Vegetarian Food, based in Dover; art activities for all age groups; and inspiring Indian music.
Holi is celebrated in India on the March full moon. Participants will learn about the traditional celebration and mythological stories behind the festival and will have a chance to express themselves through color.
Visitors may choose from several art activities for families and individuals, including an outside space for play and photographs, with traditional, nontoxic, colored powders (participants should wear white or old clothes that may be filled with color).
Downstairs, there will be Bollywood dance music throughout the event curated by Vidhi Salla of the community radio show, Vidhi's Bollywood Jukebox. Upstairs, there will be a more contemplative environment with traditional Indian Hori music, free-flow adult finger painting, and bubble art.
Admission is by donation (suggested donation is $10 per person, $25 for a family). Kids under 12 must come with an adult. To register, go to bit.ly/RGSHoli. This event is the first in a series by River Gallery School to celebrate inclusive art making and diversity in our community and is made possible by a grant from the Thomas Thompson Trust.