The traditional Hindu festival was celebrated outside the Ram Garden, which is adjacent to Devonshire House at the University. Students were able to celebrate Holi and appreciate their diversity through fun activities such as throwing powdered paint around. Additional entertainment was also provided through the presence of a live DJ.
The “festival of colours,” which is an alternative name used for the Holi festival, is an ancient traditional Hindu spring festival. Also referred to as the “festival of love,” it is celebrated by throwing coloured powders at each other, and engaging in colour themed water fights with water guns and water filled balloons. Asides from it’s Indian and Nepal origins, Holi has recently become a popular event amongst many non-Hindus, as well as other cultures and communities.
Students from all Universities were welcome to attend the event, diversifying the celebrations through an inclusive nature. Tickets for the event were priced at £11 for members, whilst non-members paid £13. The price included an Indian snack box for everyone attending the event and free powdered colours.
When asked about the event, Richa Rohra, VP of the Asian Society said: “The Exeter Asian Society celebrates Holi, a Hindu Festival, every year on campus. This year, the celebration was way beyond our expectations! We had 500 students show up to the event, not just people from the South East Asian population, but from a large number of multi cultural backgrounds as well. It is wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate a festival that is so close to our hearts. We really hope everyone present at the event had as much fun as we did! Hoping to make the event bigger and better next year round!”
“HOLi brings together people not just from india, but from all around the world”
The festival reflected student initiatives to maintain and enhance a strong cultural awareness amongst the student body.
Shraddha Chaudhary, DVP International 2016-2017 commented: “I’ve enjoyed Holi all my life! My first one being when I was 4 and the final one’s a long way to go. The fact that I am able to experience something so indigenous thousands of miles away from home is amazing and I’m grateful to the University and its societies for that. Holi brings together people not just from India, but from all around the world and creates a fun, inclusive and colorful scenario while enriching the cultural experience of all involved. Everyone enjoys a massive colour fight, dancing and sharing a few laughs which is an ideal stress buster at this time in the term!”