“Holi is an ancient festival of India. Known as the festival of colours or the festival of spring, it emphasises the triumph of good over evil. This is a festival which has been celebrated for years, and poems containing accounts of the celebrations have dated back to the 4th century CE.
This year, Holi will be celebrated from the 28 – 29 of March. Holi related events have become major events around the world, taking place in cities such as New York and Berlin.
The main Holi celebration sees people gather in the streets, throwing coloured powders at each other. In addition, music is played, people are singing and dancing, as well as sharing cultural foods. After this, families gather together for festive meals. The distribution of sweets among neighbours and friends is common. As outlined, Holi is usually celebrated in different forms, and due to Covid-19, celebrations in the UK will be mostly virtual this year.
Aarush Mitra (11M1) had shared his experiences of Holi. He commented: “I have celebrated Holi as far as I can remember, and so it has a deep sentimental value to me. Holi, to me, signifies freedom, it’s a day in which one can let loose and spray water and colours at their friends, laugh without a care and a day where one can just relax. However, Holi also commands respect. The story of Holika Dahan is about good triumphing over evil (a motif commonly seen throughout Hinduism), and so the day of Holi also reminds me of how we should always act according to the Dharma.
From myself and the Hindu Assembly Committee, we wish everyone a Happy Holi!”
Written by Jatin Gupta (L6S2)
Video by Neil (1SS)
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