Holi has become a multicultural community observance
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 12, 2025
Holi, often referred Festival of Colours, will be marked on March 14, 2025.
Holi is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in the Hindu calendar. This ancient Festival marks the arrival of Spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the renewal of relationships through music, dance, and the playful throwing of coloured powders.
While its roots are in India, Holi has transcended borders and is now celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of the world, including New Zealand.
Holi in India
In India, Holi is celebrated with immense fervour and enthusiasm. The Festival typically lasts for two days, starting with Holika Dahan on the night before Holi. This ritual involves lighting bonfires to symbolise the burning away of evil, commemorating the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
According to Hindu mythology, Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, was saved from a fire by divine intervention, while his evil aunt Holika perished.
The following day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is marked by the exuberant throwing of coloured powders (Gulal) and water. Streets and public spaces become battlegrounds of colour, where people of all ages participate in the festivities. Traditional sweets like Gujiya, Malpua, and Thandai are shared among friends and family, adding to the festive spirit.
Different regions in India have unique ways of celebrating Holi. In Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, the Lathmar Holi sees women playfully hitting men with sticks, recreating the playful moments of Radha and Krishna. In West Bengal and Odisha, Dol Jatra involves processions with idols of Radha and Krishna, accompanied by singing and dancing. In Goa, Shigmo combines colour play with folk performances and street parades.
In Maharashtra, Holi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, especially in Mumbai and Pune. The traditional Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, and the playful throwing of colours mark the Festival. In Gujarat, Holi is known for the Dhuleti celebrations, where people gather in large numbers to throw colours and dance to traditional music.
Holi in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Holi has become a significant cultural event, especially among the South Asian communities. The Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Events such as the Holi Colour Splash in Tauranga’s Memorial Park and Krishna Holi in Kumeu attract thousands of participants.
The celebrations in New Zealand often include traditional rituals like Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil. The following day, participants engage in the playful throwing of coloured powders, dancing to Bollywood music, and enjoying festive foods.
These events not only bring the South Asian community together but also provide an opportunity for the wider New Zealand community to learn about and participate in the cultural and religious significance of Holi.
In addition to the traditional celebrations, New Zealand has also embraced modern elements of Holi. Music Festivals featuring popular DJs, food stalls offering a variety of Indian delicacies, and cultural performances have become integral parts of the celebrations. These events attract a diverse crowd, including locals and tourists, making Holi a truly multicultural Festival in New Zealand.
Holi Around the World
Holi’s vibrant spirit has spread far beyond India and New Zealand, finding a place in the cultural fabric of many countries worldwide. In Nepal, Holi, also known as Fagu Purnima, is a national celebration marked by throwing colours, singing, and dancing. The festivities begin in Kathmandu with the raising of a ceremonial pole, symbolising good luck.
In the United States, Holi has become a popular event, especially in cities with large Indian diaspora communities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Organised Holi events feature music Festivals, DJ performances, and food stalls offering traditional Indian snacks. Many Universities also hold Holi celebrations to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity.
The United Kingdom celebrates Holi with large-scale Festivals in cities like London, Birmingham, and Leicester. Parks and public squares turn into vibrant hubs where people throw colours, dance to Bollywood music, and enjoy Indian street food. The Festival is often combined with charity events, making it a celebration of joy and giving.
In Canada, despite the cold weather in March, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal see grand Holi celebrations. Many indoor Holi events are organised in community centres, while outdoor events are held later in the year when the weather is warmer. The Festival provides a sense of home for the Indian community while attracting locals eager to experience the joyful festivities.
Australia also embraces Holi with enthusiasm, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Beachside Holi events are popular, combining the Festival’s traditional elements with the country’s love for outdoor activities.
In South Africa, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in cities like Johannesburg and Durban. The Festival is marked by vibrant street parties, cultural performances, and the throwing of colours. Holi in South Africa is a testament to the country’s multiculturalism and the strong presence of the Indian community.
Significance to Communities
Holi is more than just a Festival of colours; it carries deep cultural, social, and spiritual significance. The Festival’s legends, such as the story of Prahlad and Holika, emphasise the victory of good over evil and the power of devotion. The playful tales of Krishna and Radha highlight themes of love, unity, and the breaking down of social barriers.
Culturally, Holi brings people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. It is a time when social hierarchies are temporarily set aside, and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate. The Festival’s inclusive nature helps strengthen the secular fabric of society, promoting harmony and understanding among diverse communities.
Socially, Holi provides an opportunity for people to renew relationships, forgive past grievances, and start afresh. The act of throwing colours and sharing sweets symbolises the spreading of joy and the renewal of bonds. It is a time for laughter, playfulness, and the creation of happy memories.
Spiritually, Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The vibrant colours represent the blossoming of nature and the rejuvenation of the human spirit. The Festival’s rituals, such as Holika Dahan, serve as a reminder to let go of negativity and embrace positivity and new beginnings.
Holi is a celebration that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Whether in India, New Zealand, or other parts of the world, Holi brings people together in a joyous celebration of life, love, and unity. Its significance to communities lies in its ability to foster social harmony, renew relationships, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. As the world continues to embrace this vibrant Festival, Holi’s message of joy and togetherness resonates more strongly than ever.
