RAJ IYER
ST LOUIS: The color festival of Holi was celebrated in St Louis much fervor and enthusiasm. Bal Vihar joined the nature’s transition as Holi marks the beginning of the school year that is filled with a lot of activities that culminating in a long summer vacation.
After a very brutal winter this year, the event management team moved the celebrations into April in hopes for warmer weather. The bets paid off as the weather was perfect for Holi celebration. Bal Vihar families gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi Center for the celebrations.
As in every year, children were the first ones to rush through their food and line up to get their hands on the colors. Those little minds were quietly planning how best they were going to use what will soon be in their hands 
As soon as the first set of packets opened, the colored dust started filling the atmosphere. One could see the enthusiasm in the environment as children were running around throwing colors at their parents, friends and anyone they knew. Adults could be seen applying colors to each other’s faces. Within half an hour, most of them were covered in multiple colors from head to toe.
As Bal Vihar nears completing 22 successful years, its popularity has grown with over 370 students now attending classes every other Sunday. Classes are focused on overall development that include bhajans, yoga and regular curriculum that include teachings on India, its states, history, culture and neighbors.
