Students gathered on Dietler Commons to celebrate Holi in what is sure to be remembered as a colorful event.
The South Asian Student Association brought the vibrant celebration of Holi to campus with a lively and colorful event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. last Wednesday, as students joined in the fun, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of colors. This celebration has become an annual tradition at TU, anticipated by students each year; it continues to grow, providing a unique opportunity for students to come together and celebrate diversity.
Widely known as the Hindu Festival of Colors, Holi is a joyful annual celebration that marks the arrival of spring and carries both cultural and religious significance. Typically observed in March across India, Nepal and other nations within the diaspora, Holi is much more than just a colorful event. It’s a time to embrace love, renewal and rebirth, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. With roots deeply embedded in ancient Hindu traditions, the festival denotes the arrival of spring, a season of new beginnings, where nature itself is reborn.
Perhaps one of the most standout features of Holi is its custom of celebrants wearing lightly colored clothing and throwing bright, colored powders at one another. For this reason, SASA provided a wide array of colorful powders, and students eagerly grabbed handfuls to throw into the air and at one another. The sight of students, who started the event in white clothing, soon covered head to toe in a rainbow of hues, was truly striking. Bursts of pink, yellow, blue, and green filled the air as the colors flew across the crowd, creating a joyful, chaotic celebration. One of the many students who attended, Abhay Bindroo, shared their excitement for the event, saying, “I look forward to it every year so that I can spend time with my friends and celebrate color.”
In addition to the vibrant colors and lively music, SASA’s Holi celebration also offered a selection of snacks that added to the festive atmosphere. Students were treated to a variety of refreshments, including chips and mango juice, which offered a much-needed break from the excitement of the event in the early spring heat.
This year’s Holi celebration not only served as a chance to engage with a beloved cultural tradition but also as a beautiful reminder of the diversity on campus and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Hosting Holi at TU was a way to share a beloved tradition while also creating a space for students to come together, have fun, and learn. The consistent presence of this event on campus speaks to SASA’s commitment to cultural inclusion, allowing students to take part in and celebrate this tradition. It was a valuable opportunity to learn not just about the colorful event itself, but about the equally colorful history and customs that make Holi such a beloved tradition for millions around the world. It’s clear that Holi was an event that left a lasting impression, and one that students will look forward to celebrating for years to come.
