What is Holi?

Holi happens on the Full Moon in Spring, announcing the coming Spring, fertility, rebirth, and the love of Krishna and Radha. It is a celebration of Love, color, and joy.

Magnificent Colors of Holi!

Zoom TV Holi Party









India just celebrated the festival of Holi with the Full Moon this week on 10th March. It is the wildest most colorful festival. The whole thing is based on having FUN! Beginning early in the morning, people throw colored herbal powders on each other, then the water comes out! At 9:30 am in my apartment complex, the Bollywood dance tunes began BLARING out of 8 almost 3 foot speakers set up in the parking lot below my window! When I looked down, men had fire hoses, children had colors, and the giant color spectacle began! Shortly, my new daughter-in-law, Nisha Harale Bedi, her sister, Nikki Harale, and I were at the exclusive invitation only Holi party sponsored by ZOOM TV of Mumbai!

The day, full of colors, heat, drenching water, more colors, heat, water, dancing, food! Here are some of the photos!
Namaste,
ixchel

Since last Friday nite 6th Feb, when my sister Joni and husband arrived, I have been 2 full days shopping, for needed India garb for them, my other sister and her husband (Cara & Stephen who arrive in 5 hrs), and Jonis daughter Allison who arrives w/ friend (husband staying home w/ their 2 daughters) and her friend from Aussie on WED. nite ! ALL of them needed 3 outfits, complete w/ shoes, jewelry (except the men) for my son's wedding on 14th Feb.

Non stop shopping, averaging 11 am to 10 pm!... More shopping and final fittings at the celeb designer-friend Nisha Merchant for retrieval of ALL outfits for me and Nisha Harale (Adam's wife-to-be) and my sisters and nieces, etc., shopping..., then tomorrow I take all on sightseeing of South, Gateway of India etc...

The spa SHIIVA"Z willbe having their opening launch party Wed. nite 11th Feb. in a grand paparazzi event! I am to "walk the ramp" as the event includes a celeb hair-stylist Perri.
Oh goodness. There will be lots of photos of all this including wedding next weekend. Will make sure you get some too!

Meanwhile, now that Joni is here and showed me how to enter in to this blog she created for me, look for more from me on a regular basis beginning in MARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The sun just skimmed over the mountain (actually a large hill) that is vued from my window here on the eastern half of this city of 19 million, MUMBAI.

Talk to you all later, love ixchel

Joni's last post on Ixchel's blog...

One more post from Joni... here is a picture of three sisters from the "Red Rock Coffee Shop"... Laurie, we are missing you in this picture... and we missed you at David's concert. You are in our hearts, just not in this picture! xoxo

Love, Joni

One more posting from Joni...

Hi all, I am going to turn this blog over to Ixchel now... as she will be on her way to India next week. Where does the time go?

Last weekend, some of us were able to see David perform at the Red Rock Coffee House in Mountain View. It was a fun show, though too short, as we all wanted an encore! - I think everyones favorite song was "Asshole the Cat!" ...At least it was Ryan's favorite song ... as he did not get in trouble with his mom for saying the word "asshole!"

Attached is a picture of David and Ixchel from that evening.

So Ixchel... what can I say, Sis? Wow, what a life experience you are about to have! I know you have been very busy, stressed, excited, stressed, busy and very excited lately. You are following your heart and will be living by Adam and Nisha - also close to Pooja and her kids... what an incredible opportunity for you!

In your new home, and in your travels, please always carry with you how much you are loved by your family here in California... and be sure and give family in India all OUR love.

Thank you for the many years of support and love you have shown to Mom and Dad in Pacific Grove; thanks for all of our incredible "sisters weekends" - and for always being there with loving words and encouragement.... I know that will not change.

I wish you Godspeed, much love, continued safety and prosperity. We all look forward to your return in June. It hurts to see you go, and I am so proud of you at the same time. Enjoy every second you are in India, write on this blog often... and come home to us soon! I love you with all my heart!

Love, Joni

This is a test from Joni

Hi all.

I thought this would be a good way for us to keep updated on Ixchel while she is in India.

We all know that Ix is a great writer, and rather than having to write to all of us, this may be a way for Ix to keep a journal that we can all be a part of! What do you think? So, I am testing this out to see how it works... I will also post some pictures to try out as well.

Ok, well, we all know that I AM SO NOT A WRITER... so that's it for now! haha

Happy Trails to Ixchel, many many blessings, too! Ixchel, we wish you travel mercies, a wonderful 'business class' flight and happiness and ease in setting up your new home in Mumbai. God be with you and watch over you for safety and happiness.

Much love, Joni