Holi Festivals To Brighten Spring Around Seattle

Once upon a time there was a king who thought himself a god. The king’s son did not treat his father like a god. This made the king angry. The angry king persuaded his sister to kill the boy with her fireproof cloak. She put the boy on her lap and sat on a bonfire.

But as the flames roared, the cloak flew off her and covered him. And the king’s sister died, and the boy was saved. And the king who fancied himself a god was killed by a real god.

That's the backstory of Holi, the annual Hindu festival of colors. In celebration, local organizations will be hosting several celebrations throughout the Seattle area. This weekend, families of all ages are invited to participate, which includes throwing brightly colored powder at each other and enjoying delicious food.

The festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil — rich or poor, boy or king — we’re all equal when everyone is a walking rainbow.

Experience Holi in the greater Seattle area:

Saturday, March 22:

• Vibha-Seattle Holi Hai at Lake Sammamish State Park (Purchase tickets in advance); 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; $15 for adults, free for kids under 5
• CRY Seattle Holi Festivities at Downtown Bellevue Park; Noon to 4 p.m.; $15 for adults, free for kids under 12
• BollyGrooves at Hard Rock Café in Seattle; 9 p.m.; 21 and over; Ticket information

Sunday, March 23:

• Agrawal Samaj 2014 Holi Milan at Kirkland Boys and Girls Club; 1:30 p.m.; $16 for ages 10 and over, $12 for ages 3 to 10 years, free for kids under 3

Saturday, April 12:

• Festival of Colors by Vedic Cultural Center at Redmond City Hall campus; Noon to 4 p.m.; Ticket information