Get ready to splash into vibrant hues and festive joy because Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is just around the corner – and Beijing is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration. Picture this: a rooftop extravaganza with bursts of color against the skyline! We chatted with Arun Moger for the inside scoop on the traditions of this lively festival and what to expect from the upcoming rooftop bash at MOONEE on Mar 24.

Q: Could you break down what Holi is for the uninitiated?
A: It’s a festival where spring rolls out the red carpet and colors fly like confetti. That’s Holi for you, a Hindu festival that’s a big deal in India and beyond. It’s the kind of party that welcomes spring with a rainbow splash.

Q: Holi’s all about colors, right? What’s the deal with that?
A: Oh, it’s a color carnival, alright! Imagine every hue in a powder form, ready to be launched at friends and strangers alike. But it’s not just a free-for-all paint fight – it’s steeped in mythology. Take the tale of Prahlad and his dad Hiranyakashipu – classic good vs evil stuff. Prahlad’s devotion to the good guy, Lord Vishnu, gets him through some fiery trials, literally. The colors? They’re a high-five to the triumph of good, unity, and all those warm, fuzzy feelings of spring.

Q: You’ve got a rooftop Holi bash in Beijing? Tell me more!
A: Think about the skyline as your canvas. We wanted to mix up tradition with a twist, so we took Holi up a notch – literally – to a rooftop in Beijing. It’s about sharing the Holi spirit, giving people a fresh perspective (pun intended), and throwing a party that’s as much about cultural fusion as it is about fun.

Q: First-time Holi-goers with the fam – what should they look out for?
A: If you’re hitting Holi with the family, gear up for the color blitz. Old clothes are your best bet, and bonus points if you pack extras. Get ready to groove because the beat won’t stop, and the dance is where it’s at. And hey, it’s not just a feast for the eyes – your taste buds are in for a treat, too, with some sweet festive staples. Just remember, it’s all about love and respect, so keep it cool with the color throws.

Q: Tell us about the organic Holi colors at the event.
A: You bet! We’re all about keeping it green and clean with organic Holi colors. They’re made from stuff like flowers and herbs, so no icky chemicals. Plus, they’re kind to critters since no animals are harmed in making them. At our shindig, we want everyone to have a blast without worrying about their skin or the planet.

Q: What’s the scoop on the food and drinks included in the entry fee?
A: Get ready for a feast! We’re talking unlimited bites – veggie starters, non-veg appetizers, biryani for all – and Indian sweets that’ll make your taste buds dance. Wash it down with soft drinks, and for the grown-ups there’s a free alcoholic drink to toast with. Big shoutout to our local food joints for making this happen!

Q: Why is white the dress code for Holi?
A: Wearing white’s like starting with a blank canvas. It’s all about purity and getting ready for a fresh start. Plus, when everyone’s in white, it makes those colors pop like crazy! And it’s a great equalizer – no matter who you are, you’re part of the rainbow.

Q: Any special arrangements for kids at the event?
A: Absolutely! We’ve got a whole kids’ zone lined up. Think color play areas, craft stations, and even Bollywood dance lessons. We want the little ones to soak up the culture and have a blast, all while staying safe.

Q: Got any pro tips for families attending the event?
A: Sure do! Dress in white threads you don’t mind getting colorful; pack an extra set of clothes, and maybe keep those phones in waterproof cases. Sort out your ride early, have a family game plan for safety, and dive into the Holi spirit together!

Q: How can folks stay in the loop with the Beijing Indian community and future events?
A: Keeping in touch is easy! We’ve got community groups where we post updates, or you can hit up the “All Things Social” WeChat group. And hey, if any Beijingers can get me into their social circles, I’ll share all the fun Indian happenings there!

Images: Pexels, Arun Moger

Is kneeling down before your parents a sign of respect or shame?

Recently, a photo of a woman demanding that her 7-year-old kneel in front of her on a crowded subway of Beijing’s Line 7 went viral. Seemingly without guilt or embarrassment, the lady pinched her child’s face so forcefully that even his mask fell off. She then dropped her son’s school bag on the ground and demanded that he kneel before her for nearly the length of an entire station.

One commuter attempted to intervene but quickly gave up on the idea when the woman angrily told her to mind her own business. “I can do whatever I want with my kids!” the woman said.

In Chinese culture, “kneeling down” has traditionally been a way of showing respect to elders, however, such an act has drawn opposing views among netizens who see the practice as nothing more than a way for parents to manipulate their kids into submission.

“I have no idea what the boy has done, but kids today have big egos. It just doesn’t feel right to order your kids to kneel down in public,” said one commenter. “Why do parents even do such things to their own kids? They are individuals who have their own train of thoughts. Parents should not treat children like they are their own properties,” another said.

Some people are worried that such behavior might negatively impact a child’s early development. “It might take an entire life for children to get over the humiliation and shame they experienced. Some kids are confident, while others are insecure, and it really has a lot to do with the way they were raised when they were little,” argued one netizen.

“Every kid is different. As parents, I feel like we need to treat them as individuals to help them reach their full potential. Some kids might be ok with parents being a little strict with them, while others might not. The bottom line is not to physically abuse your child!” says Michael Gao, a Beijing dad with an 8-year-old.

In China, physical punishment had long been viewed as an acceptable way for parents to force their kids to behave. It stems from a mentality held by older generations that believes kids will be “spoiled if you spare the rod.” But in modern society, such behavior is increasingly frowned upon and many are beginning to criticize the harm it may inflict on kids. In fact, China even launched a new family law earlier this year that focuses on guiding people to become better parents. In short, many forms of child abuse are now forbidden and the judiciary can intervene if parents fail to comply.

However, there are still those who believe that parents shouldn’t feel guilty about lighter punishments. “I have spanked my kid before when they act out occasionally. I don’t think there is anything wrong as long as it’s a gentle swat and not physical violence,” one said.

Another Beijing parent, Marie Wirsing tells Jingkids, “I would occasionally yell at my kid. But ordering your kid to kneel down is a behavior that will cause irreversible damage to their development. It seems like the kid is already used to it, and I can only imagine how much efforts it will take for the kid to erase such bad memories.”

The question remains though: Is physical punishment the most effective way to change a child’s unwanted behavior? To what extent should parents punish their children without damaging their dignity? Let us know in the comments.

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Images: Irene Li