Holi in Gorakhabasi Basti

Yesterday was the official day of Holi. Today, a re-run of the colourful festival was played at our headquarter in Dum Dum. Below you can find a photo report of the cruel blood bath.
This is not an Indian-Chinese imitation of the True Blood lovebirds Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse, but it's our friend Rupak and your truly Shu.
Here's what preceded the previous picture. Shu is lovingly provided with a thick layer of dye.You think looking serious and running away might prevent any coloring?
The Holi festival is all about sprayin' and sprinklin' as much dye on as many people as humanly possible.
We were colored by the kids of the neighboring slum Gorakhabasi Basti. They might be red, blue or silver on the outside; each and every one of them is gold on the inside.
The idea is to soak your hand with dye and touch the face and feet of loved ones. Do not dwell on the question whether the color is washable. This is the whole set. After the initial skirmishes and after consuming a very conciliating ice cream we were invited to continue the party with the kids in their own neighborhood.
Shu and Ed happily smile while they walk towards Gorakhabasi Basti. By this time they still believed the promise: 'It comes off very easily with water and soap'.
She might be a little shy, but the red glow is not from blushing.
After arriving in Gorakhabasi Basti we were invited by the local ladies for a delicious sweet snack.
You might think we exaggerated the color saturation a bit in Photoshop? Nope!
Handsome guy and big time inspiration for the Blue Man Group.
Rich and poor, young and old - the Holi festival is for everyone.
To the great amusement of Shu, Ed was finally told that the dye might not be so easily washable.
But she had not seen her own face. However, we conclude: Holi with the Gorakhabasi Basti kids is wonderful!