The festival of colours originates in the mythological tale of Holika, sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu who tried to kill the king’s son Prahlad in a fire. But Lord Vishnu saves his ardent follower, Prahlad, and evil Holika sees her end in the fire instead. This story symbolises the victory of good over evil.
Every year the preparation of Holi starts with a tradition of burning dead trees and leaves in a bonfire. Thus, it makes way for the fresh foliage of the season. Indeed, Holi signals the end of winter and the arrival of the vibrant spring.
This year Holi, which falls on March 18, is also about celebrating human triumph over disease, as we gradually emerge from the darkest days of the pandemic. As the lockdowns have been lifted and the community is social again, it calls for a special celebration and treats.
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We looked around to see how the diaspora plans to celebrate such a happy occasion this year. And it seems, not surprisingly of course, that Holi is getting celebrated extravagantly in every nook and corner by British Indians.
Here are some highlights:
EEL Association has organised the ‘biggest and loudest ever Holi event in town’ - the ‘London ki Holi 2022’ in association with Jashn E Utsav at The City Pavilion on March 19. The ticketed event also offers unlimited colours, street food and drinks, beauty services, entertainment, fashion accessories and t-shirts, and also a bus shuttle service for the guests.
The organisers behind the famous Camden Durga Puja in London will be celebrating Holi with an extravaganza of food, unlimited drinks, dance and fun at the Pavilion Gardens on March 19, 1 pm onwards.
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Live singing of the popular musical couple of Manchester, Shweta and Sachin Ghube can be found at the Holi & Mother’s Day event on March 27.
The Manchester Friends group has also arranged for DJ, dholi, games, colours and three-course meal in this event.
Yellow Sapphire Entertainment has organised the Holi event ‘Balam Pichkari 2022’ at the Swaminarayan Temple – Dharma Bhakti Manor on March 19.
Chelmsford Hindu society presents the Festival of Colours on March 19 at the Central Park, Chelmsford. The event highlights music by DJ Dalal, dance and fun at a nominal ticket price.
Shree Hindu Temple, Leicester, is celebrating on March 17 at the Spinney Hill Park with puja and offerings.
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Bengal Heritage Foundation is holding their traditional Holi festival ‘Fagun Fest’ for the fifth time this year on March 26, with a unique line-up of Bengali musicians and dancers from the UK, India and Bangladesh. The online event will see reputed dancer Dona Ganguly among other stars.
This Holi, if you’re in a mood to taste the traditional thandai, Kingston Holi Festival is the go-to on March 20. The medium budget event also will cater for colours, water balloons, lavish snacks and melodious songs for the perfect Holi party.
