It is Holi here in Nepal—a famous Hindu holiday. This is the one day a year when Hindus get to do whatever they want with no consequences, no worries, and it is all about indulging your desires. In addition, they have the tradition of filling water balloons with water and different colored dyes and throwing them at each other. The dyes are the same used in worship to their many gods and when this water is covering you, it is supposed to make you holy. All over streets and neighborhoods, young and old can be seen launching water balloons from rooftops and over fences at each other. From an outsider’s point of view, having a water balloon war can seem like just good-natured fun. However, the water is supposed to appease the gods when you are out doing your bad things and not only this, but the dye often stains your clothes and your skin. Some dyes are so strong, they only come off with nail polish remover or kerosene.
Of course, it is not just Hindus that are the target of these games—foreigners, especially women, are often targets if seen on the streets. I know this from experience…in the days leading up to the holiday, kids like to fill water balloons with regular water and throw them at each other…as well as any passerby. As soon as school was out it was like a race for me to get home without getting hit. Some kids were not very good aim, but others had practiced a little too much. I felt like Jason Bourne or something—always looking at every rooftop, around every corner, behind my back—always ready and aware for someone to hit me.
Today however, no bike in the world would take me fast enough past such houses without getting hit. I have had friends who have even been on their own roof, in their house, and neighbors have tried to hit them with balloons. Thus we have been mandated to stay indoors.
Such a crazy custom! And while I am glad I won’t have to worry about water next week and it almost seems funny how crazy it all is, it is sad too. While much of the rest of the world is remembering the death of Jesus for our sins, Nepal is celebrating a day of complete sinful indulgence. What is for a few hours of fun, they don’t realize is what our Lord died for on the cross.
Please, as you remember what Jesus did for you today, pray also for those here who have never heard!
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