Today is Holi.

And who says Holi, says colours!

Mayra called us the day before to suggest that we go back to Vrindavan with her to enjoy the festival. She was planning to go home for the festivities and we agreed to accompany her. That' s how we found ourselves out of our haveli and into another town.

We came all the way from New Delhi to here in Vrindavan to enjoy the festivities. This town has a special symbolism for a traditional holi after all. We will be staying at Mayra's family home for four days and three nights.

Today is Holi and tomorrow is our departure. Mayra's family has been very welcoming and warm. It felt like home. Mayra's mother advised me to put on some white kurta pyjamas for the Indian tradition and to highlight the colours.

- Don't forget that every colour has a meaning. Green represents harmony, orange represents optimism, blue represents vitality and red represents joy and love. Today, social barriers are falling, men and women are equal. Enjoy it, girls," says Mayra's mother.

- You will be able to taste dishes specially prepared for Holi," adds Mayra. There will even be thandai.

- What is thandai?

- A mixture of milk, almonds, spices and marijuana!

I slip a waterproof bag with my phone inside around my neck. At least it will stay in one piece. Gabrielo enters the room and hugs me. I feel like he's become more and more physical since we got here, not that I'm complaining. I feel like I need to touch him too actually.

- You might hear "Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai!" from everywhere. That's to say 'Don't be angry, it's Holi' when they throw powder at you," explains Mayra.

- Shall we go?

- Let's go. Mama! We're going out, see you later.

- Take care of yourself! Have fun!

We go out into the street and the sound of the intense music echoes off the walls. It is almost unbearable. The streets are full of people and only a few places are quiet. Children are splashing coloured water on each other with water pistols or filled balloons.

And of course the four of us were showered with a large bucket filled to the brim. Mayra's brother, runs after some of the children and sprays them with coloured powders. He comes back to us completely soaked and coloured.

A procession takes place to the temple, people gather around on foot, but also on motorbikes. A parade of men of different ages on the same motorbike passes us. They make a concert of horns while shouting intelligible words.

Troops of musicians make noise on their drums. Everyone is euphoric, greeting each other by applying coloured powder on their faces and exclaiming "happy holi". A group of little girls stop in front of us and paint our faces with colours.

The water bombs and the powder sprays were on us all the time. In the distance I watch monkeys go in and out of the crowd. The already crowded streets were a spectacle with elephants walking through the streets, accompanied by cows.

We stopped in a less crowded area and I was able to taste the famous thandai and Mawa Gujiya, which is a sweet dumpling. I also tried the Ladoos.

After our little snack break, we set off again to continue our walk down the street. Men form groups across the streets and the alcohol seems to be flowing. We continue to receive powders from all sides and we throw them back.

Now that it's the middle of the afternoon, it seems to me that the sun will soon be setting. I have already sprayed people with powder and coloured water.

- There's a party tonight," says Mayra's brother. There will be a race just before. They'll be throwing fluorescent coloured powders this time. It's about two kilometres where the crowd throws the powder at the participants.

- We can go," I asked Gabrielo.

- We're leaving tomorrow morning, Alma," he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

- I swear I'll wake up on time for the start tomorrow," I pleaded. Please, I promise. Gabrielo.

- Before that, let's go home and change.

After a good shower, which reminded me of the kids throwing a bucket of water on us this morning with my belly and thighs coloured orange. I came out clean as a whistle. Gabrielo was waiting for me on the bed looking at the ceiling.

- What's the matter? I asked as I lay down against him.

- Nothing's the matter. It's just that tomorrow is going to be a return to reality. I've changed the flight to an evening one.

- Great, that way I can sleep ! Shall we go?

My darling husband gets up and takes me by the waist as we walk down the stairs. Mayra and her brother are waiting for us in the lobby to leave. We head for the party. The streets have finally started to empty and the crowd is going home. Given the late hour, I'm not surprised.

The music, however, is still playing in some parts of the city. We go to the end of the city to a huge square where a lot of people have gathered. All young people. The lights coming from neon signs hanging everywhere only light up the square slightly.

Everyone is dressed in dark colours, including us. A shot rings out and the race begins. The participants all run around the square while fluorescent powder sprays out from everywhere.

I slather Gabrielo with powder on his face and hair. He grabs my wrist before spilling all the powder from a bag he was holding. My hair gets covered in powder along with part of my face.

Drinks flow through the crowd. I have several drinks with Gabrielo and the music changes. It seems that the race is over. The crowd disperses so they can dance to the beat.

I kiss Gabrielo in the middle of the crowd and a camera flash interrupts us. Mayra holds my phone in her hand and has just taken a picture of us.

-Mayra!

- What? This will be a good souvenir when you get home. Look!She hands me my phone and I admire the picture. I understand why this girl is a photography student now. It's really well taken.

- Yes, you do. Thank you, Madam Mayra.

- You can thank me when I'm a professional. Can I use this photo for my portfolio?

Gabrielo and I glance at each other before turning to her.

- It would be an honour," says Gabrielo.

The party is back in full swing and the crowd grows even larger. A bonfire is burnt and the laughter and cheers increase.

Long live Holi! Happy Holi!