The monotony of studying, working and stressing often turns everyone’s daily life gray.

So, in order to literally brighten up everyone’s mood, the International Student Association hosted the Holi Festival of Colors.

As a result, students could start off their Spring Break with explosions of color, water and adrenaline.

What is Holi? Basically, imagine a 5K color run with water balloons and no end goal.

People attend the event in preferably white clothing. Meanwhile, others begin preparation by distributing colored powder and filling up water balloons and buckets.

The first strike commenced the war as battle cries echoed throughout Bayou Park.

Armed with ample ammunition, people ceased to discriminate friend from foe as disaster could strike anyone’s face.

With fear in their eyes, participants ducked and ran from a hailstorm of pink as bonds and balloons break.

In the words of Effie Trinket, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

In actuality, this modernized version originates from a more traditional and religious background.

According to Hindu lore, Prahlad brought shame to his father and demon king Hiranyakashyap by following one of the many gods. In anger, his father dispatched demon soldiers to kill his own son.

However, the attempt failed due to the god’s intervention.

In retaliation, the demon king sent his sister Holika, whose wounds made her immune to fire. Nevertheless, the god still managed to burn and kill her.

The current name comes from Holika as the festival involves a bonfire that symbolizes the burning of evil and prevailing of good.

Today’s variant “is an adaptation to be happy and indicates how colorful life can be,” said Pratik Siwakoti, a junior computer science major.

Though this celebration mainly occurs in India and Nepal, the festival has spread to other areas in South Asia, Europe and America. Nowadays, people celebrate Holi for Spring’s arrival, stronger bonds and fun.

“Everyone is equally colorful. There is no race, age or gender, and we’re all just college kids having fun together,” said Phillip Pham, a junior biology major. “These memories last a lifetime, and the afflicted stains may last even longer.”