Indian festival to mark the beginning of spring is on Friday. How to get a taste of this colourful festival and celebrate Holi in Cardiff?
As people gathered at the Cardiff Castle, the premises sprung to life with all the colours in the air, smiling faces and groovy music. Children, young and old men and women of various nationalities had gathered to celebrate the festival of Holi arranged by Swaminarayan Mandir, Cardiff a couple of years ago. This year, they are holding Holi celebrations on Saturday at the Cardiff Castle.
Historically, Holi has been celebrated to mark the end of winter and the start of spring in most parts of India. Traditionally, it stems from a story of the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that by participating in the ritual of Holika Dahan, devotees can burn away their past sins, negative thoughts, and bad influences. When demon king Hiranyakashipu was enraged knowing that his son Prahlad is a devotee of Lord Vishnu, he ordered his sister to wear a protective cloak and burn Prahlad in a pyre. Miraculously, the cloak protected Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika died by burning. This started the celebration of Holika Dahan which translates to ‘burning of Holika’.
James Hegarty, Professor of Religions of South Asia at the Cardiff University says that there is a stereotype in the west that Hinduism is purely spiritual and otherworldly but the festival of Holi challenges that. “Holi doesn’t fit the spiritual ‘East’ narrative that people often have. It shows that Hinduism is also about public joy and communal celebration. It’s embodied, joyful, and rooted in everyday life.”
On the next day of this ritual comes the fun part of playing with colours. This is thought to be an origin of the coloured water and powder throwing festival that many across the world celebrate.
Holi allows for an open joy and play which is in contrast with the reserved expressions in the UK, according to James. “There’s something wonderfully childlike about Holi, running around, playing, and unleashing joy. It’s not childish. It’s childlike.”
Participating in festive events is as much important as getting educated of its cultural significance. James advises event organisers to incorporate volunteers or QR codes which can educate attendees. “Joy is important, but creating pathways to deeper understanding adds real value. Along with the fun, create space for the thousands of years of tradition that Holi represents. Make it possible for people to experience both.”
“We don’t have a lot of religious festivals in Britain that allow for that kind of public joy. I’d love to see more of it here,” says James. “In this day and age, public joy is needed more than ever.”
Cardiffians can enjoy this festival of colours by attending various events arranged by Indian societies, religious organisations and event organisers.
1. Cardiff Castle:
Swaminarayan temple in Cardiff along with the Honorary Consulate of India is arranging a Holi event on Sunday, 16 March at the Cardiff Castle. Register for the event for £12. You can expect a lot of vibrant colours, lively music and a takeaway lunch along with a sense of cultural belonging at this event. Grab your white kurtas or shirts and enjoy the colour celebrations at the historic Welsh venue from 11am to 2pm.
2. Bute Park:
Enjoy playing with powdered colours, Kho-Kho (an Indian sport), water balloon battles and festive treats like samosas, aloo vada, rasgulla, and refreshing thandai. Dance to lively beats and celebrate unity, joy, and tradition with friends at the Bute Park from 12pm to 3:30pm on Saturday,15 March for free by booking tickets online.
3. Corporation Yard, Cowbridge road, Cardiff:
Located a little more than a mile from Cardiff city centre, this venue promises the biggest outdoor and covered Holi event on Friday, 14 March from 4pm to 10pm. You can enjoy the organic colours, lights and lazers, live DJs and food stalls all with entry tickets starting from £6 . Students can also get discount on drinks.
4. District Cardiff, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff:
If you could not make it to the earlier Holi events, you can enjoy an indoor Holi celebration at the District on Sunday, 16 March from 6pm to 11pm. With tickets starting from £3, the 1500-capacity venue promises protection from British weather along with music by well-known DJs. First 300 individuals will be given free bags of Holi colour.