In My Own Words: Holi celebration brings color, culture and community together
Story and Photos by Alana Miller.
Holi Festival of Colors at the Rock Creek Campus.
Holi, often called the festival of colors, is one of the most joyful and lively celebrations in Indian culture.
It marks the arrival of spring and represents new beginnings, positivity, and the victory of good over evil. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated by gathering with friends and family, enjoying festive foods, dancing, and throwing bright colored powders called gulal. It’s a time when people let go of stress, forgive past conflicts, and simply have fun together.
About the Author
Alana Miller grew up in Cleburne, Texas, and served 11 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves, completing three deployments during her time in service. A mother of two (a daughter and a son) Alana is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Marketing at Portland Community College. Her goal is to complete her degree at PCC and then return to culinary school, combining her passion for creativity with her education. In her free time, Alana enjoys baking, reading, and hiking.
At the Rock Creek Campus Holi celebration, the energy and excitement of the holiday were easy to feel. One of the best parts of the event was the food, which gave everyone a chance to experience traditional flavors. There was gluten-free dhokla, made from chickpea flour, cilantro, and mustard seeds. It had a soft texture and a mix of sweet and slightly spicy flavors that made it really unique.
Another dish served was biryani, a popular rice dish made with vegetables, ghee, yogurt, and garam masala. It was warm, filling, and packed with flavor. For dessert, there was gulab jamun, made from milk solids, sugar, and ghee. These were soft, sweet, and soaked in syrup, making them a favorite for a lot of people.
The event also included a live performance that made the experience even more memorable. Math faculty Ruchini Mendis performed a song, which added a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and it was great to see someone from the college community sharing their talent.
Holi itself has deeper cultural and historical meaning as well. One of the stories behind the holiday comes from Hindu mythology and tells the story of good defeating evil, which is why people celebrate with such happiness and positivity. The bright colors used during Holi each have their own meaning too—some represent love, others represent happiness, and some symbolize new life and energy.
The event’s food was sweet and spicy.
After the presentation ended, everyone went outside to take part in the most exciting tradition of all—throwing colors. People tossed bright powders into the air and at each other, covering everyone in vibrant shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. It was a little messy, but that’s what made it so fun. Everyone was laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying the moment together.
Overall, the Holi celebration was an amazing experience. It wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about actually experiencing the culture through food, music, and tradition. Events like this bring people together and create a sense of community, making it something everyone will remember.