HINDUS across Berkshire are gearing up for one of their most important festivals of the year.
Communities will come together at events on Saturday, March 11, to celebrate Holi with traditional food, fun and, most importantly, colours.
The “festival of love”, which took place on Wednesday, March 8, is best known for the ritual of playing with coloured powder and marks the start of spring, with strong historical links with farming.
Reading Indian Community is holding its Holi Milan event, in association with Art Celebration, at Reading Cricket Club, Sonning Lane.
Organiser Aradhana Singh said: “Holi is more than just a festival of colours, it’s a celebration of togetherness and unity.
“Through this event, we aim to bring the community together and foster a sense of inclusivity and harmony, and provide our next generation with opportunities to explore and experience our diverse cultures, fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation for the richness and beauty of our cultural heritage.”
Volunteer Sanjay Singh added: “We are all very excited, we have our fingers crossed for the weather of course, but people are excited.
“It’s the festival of colours so the main theme of the celebration is playing with dry, eco-friendly colours with each other.”
Open to all, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of traditional activities, such as live Bhangra dancing, Bollywood and Punjabi music, dhol drumming and colour play.
There will be activities for all the family, with children able to enjoy fun fair rides, magic and puppet shows and food stalls.
The Mayors of Reading and Wokingham are expected to be in attendance.
Good overcoming evil sits at the heart of the Holi story, with the Hindu God Vishnu defeating the evil king, Hiranyakashipu, and sparing his son, Prahlad.
The event also serves an important role in keeping young Hindus in touch with their culture – Reading Indian Community also holds similar events for Diwali and Eid.
“Most of those who are involved in these events are first generation people, so the next generation hasn’t been to India for a while and only go back for holidays,” Sanjay explained.
“We do these events as a way to bring the culture and pass it onto the next generation and share it – there are a lot of people from other communities who come – it’s all about bringing people together.”
The event runs from noon-5pm, with tickets costing £9.99 and £7 for under 10s. Bookings should be made through Aradhana Singh, who can be contacted via 07769180390.
Bellissima Bollywood Events will be throwing its own Holi party at The Hatch Gate Inn, Burghfield. Starting at 12.30pm on Saturday, it will feature an Indian buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
A live DJ will be on hand to provide the backing track to what promises to be a fun-filled afternoon.
Tickets are £18 for adults, £10 for those aged 5-10, and free for under 5s. Family tickets are also available, and can be purchased by contacting bbebollywood@hotmail.com.
A third event will be taking place at Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue. Holi Fest 2023 will take place from noon-5pm and will have both indoor and outdoor areas.
The indoor hall, super sound system, stage and DJ will see visitors dance the afternoon away, while taking part in the playing of colours. Games, food stalls and rides will also be available to enjoy.
Tickets are £6 in advance and £8 on the door, with various concession prices available. They should be booked through Mohima on 07877243109.
