Friday 22-03-2024 - 08:00

Get ready to welcome spring with the vibrant and colourful festival of Holi! Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated across North India to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It's known as the "festival of colours" and is a time when traditional boundaries of caste, gender, status, and age are joyfully set aside.

Sarmmed, your Wellfare Officer: "I hope the vibrant colors of Holi ignite a spirit of joy, friendship, and cultural harmony among students, engaged in a celebration of unity, diversity and shared humanity."

Holi's traditions are diverse across India and are rooted in Indian mythology. Two legends are associated with the festival. One legend is about Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who tried to kill his son Prahlada, a devout worshipper of Vishnu. With the help of his sister Holika, the demon king attempted to burn Prahlada on a pyre, but it was Holika who burned instead due to a protective cloak that saved Prahlada. Vishnu later punished Hiranyakashipu, marking a victory of good over evil. In many parts of India, a large pyre is lit on the night before Holi to commemorate this event.

The second legend linked to Holi is centred around Krishna and Radha. Krishna, a Hindu deity believed to be a manifestation of Vishnu, fell in love with Radha, a milkmaid. To make up for his dark blue skin compared to Radha's fair skin, Krishna playfully coloured her face during a game with her and the other milkmaids. This playful act is said to be the origin of throwing coloured water and powder during Holi celebrations. The joyful and festive atmosphere of Holi is also a reflection of Krishna's mischievous and playful nature.

Holi is celebrated over two days. On the first day, people light bonfires and roast grains, popcorn, coconut, and chickpeas. The next day, people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint-throwing.

In collaboration with the local community, the Hindu society is organising a Holi celebration on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m. For further information and to obtain a ticket, please visit www.namastekingston.org.