Holi Festival of Colours Transforms Downtown Calgary with Joyful Celebration
Hundreds of enthusiastic participants gathered in downtown Calgary on Saturday for a vibrant and spirited celebration of Holi, the renowned Hindu Festival of Colours. This springtime festival, which symbolizes joy, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, filled the city with music, dancing, food, and brightly coloured powders that were joyfully thrown and smeared on festival-goers.
A Cultural Tradition Celebrated with Unity and Vibrancy
The event was organized by the Indian Society of Calgary (ISC), which has been hosting this growing celebration annually. Amee Ramavat, a volunteer with the ISC, explained the significance of the festival. "It's a big thing where people just come out, play with colours with their family, friends, and just have fun," she said. Many attendees wear white clothing to best showcase the vibrant hues of the coloured powders, known as gulal, that spread throughout the day.
Ramavat emphasized the inclusive nature of Holi, stating, "It doesn't matter where you come from. There's no discrimination, nothing like that. Everybody just plays with the same colour, and that just shows unity, and the happiness that this month brings in."
Adapting Traditions in a New Home
Although Holi's actual date fell in early March this year, celebrations outside of India are often scheduled for weekends to accommodate local schedules. "(In India), everybody has public holidays that day, but obviously we cannot expect that here," Ramavat noted. "We do it on weekends, and the long weekend was perfect."
The festival has been increasing in size each year, with this year's event expected to draw crowds of around 700 people. While smaller in scope than the massive celebrations in India, Ramavat confirmed that the spirit remains identical. "It's amazing. It almost feels like I'm in India playing Holi with my family and friends," she shared.
Personal Connections and Nostalgic Moments
Haiya Sitlani, who performed at the festival with her dance group, Madhuban Performing Arts, described the sunny weather as creating "the perfect atmosphere" for the celebration. "Holi is my favorite festival, because I love the colours, and it's actually the first time in five years I'm getting to celebrate it here in Canada, so it's actually really special to me," she expressed.
Sitlani reflected on the differences between celebrations in India and Calgary. "Back home in India, you'll see this celebration happening in every street, on every road. The roads are filled with colour," she said. "I think the fact that we can do it here today is really special ... Just this little space is good enough for us to just remember home for today."
For many participants, the festival evoked powerful memories of childhood and family traditions. Sitlani explained that gathering with others to celebrate takes her back to attending the festival with her family as a child, allowing her to feel like a kid again for the day. "It also gives us a moment to forget about life ... and just enjoy ourselves," she added.
A Piece of Home in Calgary
Abhishea Chand shared that celebrations back home in India were always filled with good food, drinks, and the company of friends, family, and community. Saturday's event in Calgary felt like a small piece of that familiar joy and helped alleviate feelings of homesickness. The festival served as a poignant reminder of cultural roots while fostering community connections in a new environment.
The Holi Festival of Colours in Calgary continues to grow each year, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate unity, joy, and cultural heritage. Through music, dance, and the vibrant exchange of coloured powders, participants created lasting memories and strengthened community bonds in the heart of the city.
