In less than a week, the streets of India will be filled with vibrant colours to mark the arrival of spring with the traditional Hindu festival, Holi.
It's a wild, joyous occasion. People crowd the streets, play dhol (drums), dance to every beat, smear each other with bright-coloured powder and splash coloured water on passersby .
According to the Hindu mythology, this two-day festival is also a celebration of the victory of Lord Vishnu over King Hiranyakashyapu.
This year, Holi (a.k.a the festival of colours), which is celebrated by millions across the world — especially people of Indian and Nepali descent — will fall on March 8, symbolizing the arrival of spring after a long winter and celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
Those in the Lower Mainland feeling a tinge of homesickness during this festival needn't fret, though, because Burnaby is putting on its Holi party this weekend, giving people from different cultures a chance to get initiated in this vibrant festival of colours and have a great time.
Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Student Society, in partnership with the Indian Student Federation (ISF) and Aftershock Roadshow, a collective of Vancouver’s DJs, is hosting their first Holi event in five years, and they promise a banger.
The 2023 Holi Bash Bura Na Mano Holi Hai event is family-friendly and encourages guests of all ages and backgrounds to have a joyous time.
It is an event that is close to the heart of Vaibhav Arora, the organizer and vice-president of student society events. Bringing the feel of home to Burnaby — with all the cultural aspects from colours to traditional dhol players to Indian food trucks and music — is one he is proud of.
Ticket prices vary according to the tier purchase, but with every ticket, guests will be given a packet of biodegradable non-toxic coloured powder to start their festival of colours celebration. Additional pouches can be purchased on site.
The colours, he said, are made out of corn starch and sourced from Verka grocery chain (locally produced) and Amazon, and are deemed to be safe for most people. No outside colours are permitted and there will be no alcohol on site.
Despite the initial hesitation of the university to bring back the event, Arora said “it is a moment of pride” for him to help bring back one of the most vibrant festivals of Indian culture.
It is an outdoor rain-or-shine event, and heaters will be installed to keep guests warm. Participants are advised to wear clothes that can get stained — light colours or white are recommended.
SFSS Holi Bash: The Festival of Colours
When: Sunday, March 5; 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: North parking lot (SFU Burnaby), 8888 University Dr., Burnaby
Cost: $18.44 to $34.19; tickets can be purchased here
Other Holi events across Metro Vancouver for you to check out if you missed the one in SFU
Hindu temple Burnaby Holi celebrations
When: Sunday, March 12; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Hindu temple Burnaby (5420 Marine Dr.)
UBC Holi 2023
When: Saturday, March 11; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: B4 parking lot (6359 Agronomy Rd, Vancouver)
Cost: $42.15; tickets can be purchased here
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir temple
When: Sunday, March 5; 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Shanti Niketan Hall, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, (8321-140 St, Surrey)
Cost: Free, but call 778-892-5007 to confirm your attendance
Rang barse Holi event
When: Saturday, March 18; 6 p.m. onwards (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Where: Dhaliwal banquet hall (8166 128 St. #230, Surrey)
Cost: $35, free for kids under five; for information and tickets, visit website
