Holi: The Hindu festival of colour that welcomes everyone
- Published
Shaz (left) feels Holi is "a special time" of the year because it lets people from all backgrounds celebrate
Clouds of coloured powder and crowds of smiling people - the Hindu festival of Holi is back.
Observed by millions around the world. the religious event celebrates love, new beginnings and the victory of good over evil.
Known as the festival of colours, it's traditionally a time to invite people who aren't Hindus to celebrate.
And when BBC Asian Network visited the Holi event in Leeds, plenty were getting involved.
The Yorkshire event is described as the biggest of its kind in the UK, featuring a host of performers throughout the day.
And singer Jaz Dhami, who's fresh from his set at South by Southwest in Texas, says he's "excited" to perform a number of Punjabi hits.
It's his first time on-stage at a Holi event in the UK, and he says the day is "about community and celebrating together".
"It's great to see so many people from different backgrounds," he says. "And it's great to come back to my country and perform for people here."
It was a different kind of festival to South by Southwest for Jaz
Shaz Khan is from the Sheffield School of Bollywood, and performed a dance on-stage.
The 28-year-old is Muslim, but has celebrated Holi before at smaller events, and echoes Jaz's message about community and togetherness.
"I think integration, especially in this day and age and what's going on in the world is so important because it brings people together.
"And at the same time, it's a good way to get rid of animosity… just enjoy a festival of colour together.
"Everyone loves music, dancing. It's just the perfect way to connect."
Akshey and Adityi have come from India and see Holi celebrations as a way of making new friends
Akshey and Adityi are friends who have come to the UK from India without their families, and feel these type of events are actually "a chance to make new friends".
"We've been missing family but now we're quite elated," Adityi says. "It's a chance for togetherness."
Akshey adds: "We haven't celebrated much until this event.
"You get to learn a lot about culture, because we have a lot of them in India," she says.
Shaz believes performances and parties make the festival more accessible, even if the religious aspect isn't front-and-centre.
"Everyone practises and believes in a different way. It's an individual thing.
"And if we can somehow collectively celebrate it together, then that's great," she says.
Almir enjoys the vibrancy and colour of Holi
For Almir Datoo, Holi lets him connect with things that feel familiar.
He is Indian and a Muslim, and sees the festival as "a vibrant part" of his culture.
"I don't think you have to distinguish between religion and celebrations," he says.
"A lot of religious celebrations happen with parties, for example, with Muslims and Eid.
"Opportunities like this, give me a good chance to see people who celebrate things in a way that I probably am more familiar with."
- Published25 March
- Published7 March 2023
- Published10 November 2023
