In India, the vibrant festival of Holi celebrates love and joy through colorful festivities. While attending a study in Agra on lifelong singlehood, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in this cultural event.
“It’s known as the ‘Festival of Love,’” Penelope, our study coordinator, shares over coffee at a café.
The streets burst with color as people dance with abandon.
“It resembles our Valentine’s Day but also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the sacred bond between Radha and Krishna.”
Curious, I inquire, “What’s the Radha-Krishna bond?”
“It represents the divine union in Hinduism, illustrating the connection between Radha, the individual soul, and Krishna, the divine,” she explains.
I remain perplexed. “I still don’t understand.”
She shifts to face me, clearly passionate about this topic.
“Krishna is a god, and Radha is a devoted cowherd. While he loves all gopis, his profound love for Radha transcends societal norms, existing beyond marriage in pure devotion.”
“Why didn’t they marry if they loved each other?”
Her expression darkens slightly. “Sadly, she was married, and he had a destiny to fulfill.”
I shake my head. “Is it like sibling love?”
She smiles. “Not quite. They were true lovers, unable to marry.”
I chuckle. “So, it was adulterous?”
Her gaze drops. “We focus on their genuine love rather than that aspect.”
“Genuine love between a god and a married woman? Didn’t they consider divorce? It seems contradictory that people celebrate this every year.”
“Perhaps she no longer loved her husband.”
“And yet she stayed with him while pursuing a god? That sounds like the worst kind of betrayal.”
Her mood shifts. “How so?”
“If a spouse cheats with someone weak, it’s reclaimable. But with a god? That’s a different challenge,” I argue.
“If my partner cheated with Thor, I’d just invite him over for dinner,” I add. “You don’t mess with gods.”
She laughs, relaxing a bit. “Are you saying you dislike Holi?”
“Quite the opposite. I find it fascinating that your greatest love story involves two who can never unite. It reinforces my theory on the frivolity of permanent unions. How do you think Radha’s husband felt?”
“Certainly devastated, but we’re discussing eternal love between a god and a mortal. You must see the beauty in that.”
“I do. It mirrors how someone might justify cheating with a wealthy partner while neglecting their current spouse.”
“Oh, boy.” She shakes her head. “I see now that there’s little hope for you.”
