As we step into Spring, one of the first festivals to greet the season is Holi. A very vibrant date in the Hindu calendar, the “Festival of Colours” to celebrate the joys of the season.
Rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil. The festival is associated with the story of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who enlists the help of sister, Holika, to kill his son, Prahlad, whose devotion towards Lord Vishnu irks the self-absorbed.
Blessed with the boon of being immune to fire, Holika sits on a pyre with Prahlad in her lap, hoping that this would kill him and leave her unscathed, thus fulfilling her brother’s wishes. In a twist of fate, however, as her boon was intended only for self-preservation, does not hold up and Holika burns with the fire while young Prahlad emerges unharmed.
This story is celebrated the night before Holi with a ceremony called Holika Dahan, which literally means the burning of Holika. Later that night, Hiranyakashipu also meets his end when Vishnu takes on his Narasimha avatar to vanquish the demon king.
Like every year, there are a growing number of vibrant events lined up by diaspora communities around the world, including here in the UK, in time for Holi – which falls on March 25.
Here, iGlobal zeroes in on Manchester to flag some fun events lined up to get into the spirit of the Festival of Colours.
Rain Dance Colour Festival's – Elements
Saturday, 30 March 2024
Described as a global celebration of music, nature and wellbeing through the festival of colours, Elements brings to Manchester global DJs, a fashion pop-up tent, street food varieties and all the Holi fun, while also raising money for mental health and wellbeing charities.
Radha Krishna Mandir
Sunday, 24 March 2024
Radha Krishna Mandir’s Holi celebrations will commence after the morning aarti and will host colour play with amazing music as well as street food stalls for the attendees.
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Geeta Bhavan Hindu Temple
Sunday, 24 March 2024
For those hoping to partake in the Holika Dahan festivities, which traditionally fall the night before Holi itself, Gita Bhavan is the place for you. With bhajans, aarti and holika dahan, the event is the perfect start to the Holi festivities.
Shree Bharatiya Mandal, Shree Ambaji Temple
Sunday, 24 March 2024
The evening will start with aarti inside the temple, followed by Holi celebrations.
Holi Festival Party
Sunday, 24 March 2024
This celebration party will include a three-course meal plus soft drinks, live music and, of course, Holi colour play!
Holi Dhamal
Sunday, 24 March 2024
As well as live DJ and dhol, street food stalls and plenty of space of dancing and playing, this event also features professional photography and videography and washable, non-toxic colours for sale at the venue.
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Bolton Hindu Forum’s – Rang Barse
Saturday, 23 March 2024
Join Bolton Hindu Forum for an afternoon of playing with colours, arts and craft, dhol, dance performances, delicious food and much more!
JSM Holi Celebrations
Saturday, 23 March 2024
Jain Samaj Manchester’s Holi celebrations will include lunch followed by colour play with dance.