RIVERSIDE: The festival of colors, Holi, was celebrated with great fervor and gaiety Sunday at Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. The program began with puja followed by Vishnu Sahasranaam. The Mandir filled gradually.

By the time the cultural program begin devotees sat crowded side by side to enjoy the two dance selections by the students of Paulomi Pandit's school, Rangashree Dances of India. Mandir President Kishore Sehgal thanked the dancers and gave each some gulal colors. While 800 devotees watched, Pandit Vipul Shastri Jani and Head Priest Dr Shukavak Dasa threw color onto Lakshmi Narayan. Then with a look at each other the pandits began to throw color at each other while standing on the altar.

Although Mandir policy is no Holi colors inside, the scene grew comic as Mandir officials Chairman Akshaya Sheth and Secretary Dharmesh Patel joined the fun. After arati the crowd formed long lines for the delicious maha Prasad and the thandai. Outside, the scene appeared chaotic. While the Holika fire burned in the parking lot, people smeared each other with Holi color. Although the Mandir's policy is dry colors only, wet colors seemed to fly from all directions.

The noise of children screaming and adults laughing was deafening. It was obvious that everyone enjoyed this vibrant and colorful festival.This year Mandir members decided to observe Holi Dahan also called Chhoti Holi or the small Holi. The event was officiated by Pandit Vipul Jani. The Holika fire was lit after dark and enjoyed by the 125 who attended on Friday.