It is that time of the year when vibrant hues fill the sky all across.
Yes, we are talking about Holi – the Festival of Colours knocking at our doors. This year the actual Holi celebration would be on Wednesday, March 8. However, at the Aylesbury Hindu Temple Trust will be celebrating Holi together with the wider community of Aylesbury and around, at the Discovery Bucks Museum walled garden in all its glory with loud and elaborate revelry, in the spring of 2023 on 15th April. Find out more here.
If life wasn’t colourful enough you’ll never experience a more vibrant occasion than during the spring festival of colour – Holi. Holi involves an exuberant casting of pastel coloured powder on friends, family and every passer by where people also take to the streets with water-guns and any manner of soaking device, yet far more colourful. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Celebrated for centuries, the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and commemorates new beginnings.
If you have ever considered planning a trip to India, this is a great time to coincide a visit. Celebrated throughout the country, the festival of Holi is a particularly entertaining and fun experience. Historically, Holi celebrates the beginning of spring, when agricultural produce is abundant and the land is fertile. People smear colour on each other to celebrate the coming of spring and bid farewell to the cold winter. Bonfires are lit in street corners to ward off evil spirits and create positive energy and each household prepares snacks to share with guests and neighbours. As the morning of Holi dawns, people gather in the streets wearing old clothes and proceed to smear coloured powder over each other. Rainbow dust tumbling through the air. Faces, hair, hands and clothes rendered in a kaleidoscope of colours. Over the years the level of exuberance and celebration has come to fizzing colour mixes that froth and bubble in water, coloured water balloon fights and the new and more recent colour additions of black and silver which resist fading even after bathing. Some households prepare “Thandai” a cold milk based drink prepared with mixing grounded almonds and spices, to add to the uninhibited spirit of celebration.
This event here at Aylesbury will include colours, festive appetisers and refreshments. There will be plenty of dance and music with performances in elaborate traditional attire. Children, young and elderly will join to celebrate this fun filled day of festivity. The true charm of Holi is that age is no barrier when it comes to sharing and enjoying this special time. All in all, the air would abuzz with fun and excitement. It’s a great way for the Aylesbury community to meet, learn about the true culture and have great fun while you’re at it!
Wishing you all very Happy Holi!
Rajat from Aylesbury Hindu Temple
