How to celebrate Holi as an international student
13 March 2024By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Holi is a special time of year and is celebrated by Hindu's all over the world. Despite being away from home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in your own special way. From attending an official Holi event, to hosting your own Holi inspired dinner party, we've explored different ways you can celebrated Holi this year.
How To Celebrate Holi As An International Student
Holi is a special time of year and despite originating in India, it’s celebrated by Hindu’s all over the world. Holi celebrates the changing of seasons from Winter to Spring, encourages new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.As the festival is celebrated all over the world, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in the festivities surrounding Holi. From attending an official Holi event, to hosting your own Holi inspired dinner party there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
What Is Holi Festival
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life. Also known as “the festival of colours”, Holi takes place over the course of a night and a day. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated every year on the full moon date of Falgun month. This year the Holi Festival falls on the (25th March 2024).The first night, Jalanewali Holi, is normally dedicated to religious rituals and prayers, while the second day is celebrated as Rangwali Holi – the festival of colours. The second part of the festival has become particularly well-celebrated and despite its origin is deeply rooted in India, it’s a tradition which has now swept the world.
How is Holi traditionally celebrated?
The first day of Holi celebrations is known as Jalanewali Holi and is typically dedicated to religious rituals and prayers. The first day of Holi is marked with the burning of the Holika bonfire, made from bamboo and grass, which is traditionally lit after sunset and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
The second day is called Rangwali, and is a day for celebration and fun, with music, dancing and – perhaps most notably – a paint-filled free-for-all. Celebrants are encouraged to drench themselves in water and then throw coloured powders at each other, making this one of the most colourful festivals on the planet (and, seriously, who wouldn’t want to get involved with that?)
In India, this usually takes place across streets, parks, and temples. However, here in the UK, some of the biggest celebrations inspired by Holi are now held in stadiums to accommodate stages for musicians and masses of people in one space.
How to celebrate Holi as an international student in the UK
See if your student accommodation is hosting a Holi event
As we mentioned, Holi is a widely celebrated festival so it’s worth finding out if your student accommodation has any special events, they’re putting on to celebrate the festival. We spoke to Bruno, Student Experience Manager at The Plaza & Sky Plaza in Leeds about how they are planning to honour the festival for their students and staff.
“The Plaza/Sky Plaza is planning an event for Indian students to take part in traditions they miss during their time here, and for other students to learn more about the Indian culture. We’re going to have some classic Indian street food, ranging from samosas to pakoras and some delicious mains, which are essential during Holi. Our student ambassador Mehr, will be working with us to create a wonderful experience for our students and staff at the property.”
Chow down on some traditional Holi food.
A big part of Indian festivities is the food. So, why not gather your flatmates or your group of friends and indulge in some traditional food to celebrate? Each region has its own speciality, including the classic dessert of Gujiya, a sweet fried dumpling with different fillings from coconut as well as dried fruits.
Swarda Limaye resident of Unite student in Sheffield recounted the vibrant tapestry of colours, laughter and delicious treats that painted her Holi celebration last year.
“In Sheffield, we kicked off our Holi celebration at Steelyard, Kelham Island, immersing ourselves in the vibrant and lively spirit of the Indian festival. As the morning unfolded, the air was filled with infectious energy, accompanied by the beats of Punjabi dhol. The joy of smearing colours on your friends and enjoying your favourite festival in a foreign land was an experience unlike any other.”
“Despite the chilly weather, the crowd was warm and lively, bringing a sense of home to the celebration. We made the festival even more special by inviting friends from different nationalities to experience the magic of this Indian festival together. It was a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.”
"Amidst the festivities, we explored various food stalls, indulged in delicious treats and sipped on drinks. Later that day, we returned to Leadmill Point, our Unite students’ accommodation for a potluck feast, where everyone cooked and shared traditional Indian dishes. The evening turned into a lively party, filled with good food, laughter, and socializing. It was a Holi celebration in Sheffield that painted lasting memories in our hearts!"
