Because sometimes you should dance in the face of oppression...

[Skidmore]

This brings tears to the eyes to see such a lovely way of pushing back. Bless them all.

http://www.npr.org/2015/03/06/390973373/for-india-s-widows-a-riot-of-color-an-act-of-liberation?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=thirteenseven&utm_term=artsculture&utm_content=20150306\

For India's Widows, A Riot Of Color, An Act Of Liberation

I have no one. I've lost everything. My children are gone, my parents are gone. My husband's family doesn't ask about me. They don't even look for me, they don't even know if I eat," says Manu Ghosh, 85.

That's her above, seen before and after the Hindu festival of Holi at her ashram in northern India.

Manu was married at age 10 and found her way to the northern city of Vrindavan at 37. By that time, she was already widowed and had lost three children, who she says all died prematurely. Manu is one of many widows among the ashrams of Vrindavan whom I met covering this year's Holi festival.

Holi is the festival of colors, culminating in the riotous tossing of powder and water balloons meant to herald the arrival of spring. Bonfires on the eve of this ancient celebration mark the triumph of good over evil and are seen as a chance to forgive. It's celebrated wherever there are people of Indian descent — Bangladesh, Nepal, Guyana, South Africa — but here the celebrations take on the hue of liberation.

more..

[haikugal]

1. I watched a documentary about these widows...

It breaks my heart. This is a wonderful festival....what lovely women. Thanks for this post.