CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Hindu festival of Holi was celebrated Saturday evening in the city of Chicopee.  The Indian Association of Greater Springfield organized this special event. Holi is both a religious and cultural festival, characterized by singing, dancing, and the throwing of colore d powders and water.  Lowell man wins $4 million prize on lottery ticket It is rooted in Hindu traditions, particularly through the stories of Krishna and Radha. The festival promotes unity and love while marking the start of new beginnings as winter ends and spring begins. "As a community, you know, like in the winter, we are inside," said Saritha Rakasi, President of the Indian Association of Greater Springfield. "We want to step out and meet each other to celebrate, like eat, drink, enjoying dance." Those who missed out on the event are encouraged to take part in their festival of lights, happening in the fall. Local News Headlines Local Hindu community celebrates Holi in Chicopee Youth Summit for Peace inspires Springfield families to rise up against gun violence Physician assistants eager to plug health care voids PHOTOS: Hands Off! Standouts across western Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less