{openx:6}Though it may seem that Utah has a less-than-dynamic cultural milieu, occasionally a place or an event will challenge that sentiment. Such is the case with the Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple located right off of Main Street in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Year-round the beautiful Rajasthani-style temple hosts a slew of events, catering not only to the local Hindu community but to the entire local community at large. Springtime brings the well-loved Holi festival—the Festival of Colors—and along with it heavy traffic and congestion on Main Street (resulting in police escorts and unexpected wayward diversions) and a herd of colorful college students. Holi is inarguably the most popular event the Krishna temple hosts, and each year it only seems to grow larger. If you’re planning on attending, make sure to be there on time, so as not to miss the color throwing! Parking can be a hassle (though there are often still parking spots available on the actual temple grounds), and the throngs of white-shirted youths clutching plastic baggies of precious colored powder can be difficult to navigate. Every Krishna temple event is appropriate for families, just be sure to keep your children with you at all times, don’t swim in the koi pond, and avoid throwing colored chalk powder directly in the face.

Each event has the temple’s signature and absolutely wonderful Indian cuisine, including Indian curry and blueberry hallava—all-vegetarian and all-delicious. After the explosion of colors during Holi, the food line usually snakes through the double doors and outside, hugging the exterior walls, so if possible, stake out your place in line early on.

The gift shop is filled with peacock feathers, scarves, event t-shirts and small statues. You can usually come away with some great items, just beware of the lines! During peak times at major events, the purchase line can be a 20-minute wait, and it can take even longer to browse the shelves.

Holi may be the most popular event, but each festival comes with its own unique blend of activities and celebration. In July, the Llama Fest encourages llama owners from all around to come and show off their animals. Beyond celebrating Andean culture, there’s a competition, llama petting, food and craft booths, and music. September’s India Fest is a celebration of Indian culture, with a pageant presentation of the epic Ramayana. This culminates in the evening’s most spectacular event, the burning of a 20-foot effigy of the demon Ravana, ignited by a flaming arrow launched across the koi pond. The last event of the calendar year is in November: Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Here there are live action performances such as dancing and comedy, and a massive vegetarian feast which guests are encouraged to augment with their own dishes.

The temple has a love for people and visitors; they refrain from overtly religious associations and instead place value in hospitality, education, and a “come one, come all” spirit. LDS missionaries often volunteer to help serve food and direct traffic, convivial all the while. There is traditional dancing upstairs, along with the opportunity to watch and be part of Hindu chants and rituals. If you’re looking for a taste of culture and the chance to experience something different, you’ve come to the right place.