How many nations celebrate Holi?
It’s that time of the year for the most playful festival . Holi, marking the onset of Spring. While mainly celebrated in India and Nepal, Holi has now extended its reach to various corners of the world. For students studying abroad, being away from home means missing the joyful festivities of their home country.
It’s a time for playing with colors, lighting Holika bonfires, and rejoicing in the triumph of good over evil. Holi is like a big, colorful party, and it’s spreading its joy to many places around the world.
1. Holi in Australia
In Australia, Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, is celebrated enthusiastically by the Indian diaspora. In Melbourne, the festivities involve colorful powders, cultural gatherings, and events where people play with non-toxic colors. This celebration connects to their homeland’s cultural values and unites diverse communities.
Australians embrace the spirit of Holi, marking the arrival of Spring, bidding farewell to winter’s darkness, and symbolizing a fresh start. The festival encourages the washing away negativity and bringing optimism, strengthening bonds among people from varied backgrounds, and promoting understanding and unity in the multicultural Australian society.
2. Holi in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, a country with a rich blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim cultures, Holi is celebrated by the Hindu community with simplicity and joy. Despite being a Muslim nation, the influence of Indian culture is vast, and Hindus gather in temples to exchange greetings and play with colors, contributing to the harmonious coexistence of Muslims and Hindus in the country.
While Holi in India may be absent, the festival is embraced as a cultural expression, showcasing the diverse traditions within Bangladesh’s multicultural tapestry.
3. Holi in Canada
In Canada, Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated enthusiastically by the Indian community and others who join in the festive spirit. As winter gives way to Spring, people of all ages, covered in vibrant hues, gather in various corners of the country, singing, dancing, and exchanging colorful greetings.
The celebration, marked by tossing colors, symbolizes letting go of worries and embracing positive changes. Holi is an occasion for Canadians, including those of Indian descent, to unite, fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity. The festival not only honors tradition but also brings a feeling of harmony and home to the diverse community in Canada.
4. Holi in Mauritius
Holi is celebrated with great excitement in Mauritius, where a large portion of the population is Hindu. The festival is so important that it’s an official holiday, giving people plenty of time to enjoy and immerse themselves in the Holi spirit, complete with colorful water festivities. The traditions of Holika Dahan, symbolizing good over evil, are observed, with bonfires lit on the eve of Holi.
The following day is filled with joy as people play with colors, splash water using water jets called pichkaris, and exchange greetings and sweets in the evening. Holi in Mauritius is not just a festival but also a celebration of Spring, with nature adorning its best attire and fields and flowers in full bloom.
5. Holi in South Africa
In South Africa, Indians, including the vibrant Gujarati community, celebrate the festival of Holi with great joy. They continue the tradition of playing with colors, lighting bonfires called Holika, singing Holi songs, and enjoying time with friends and family. This celebration helps preserve ancient customs in a society facing conflicts, as Holi is believed to bring people closer and strengthen relationships.
South Africa has a sizeable Indian population, with around one million people, mainly concentrated in Natal and Transvaal. Hindus form the majority, followed by Muslims and Christians. The diverse Indian communities from states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu maintain their regional variations of Hinduism.
Conclusion
Holi, the festival of colors, brings happiness and togetherness to people worldwide. Holi’s festive spirit unites diverse communities, whether it’s the lively celebrations in Australia, the cultural expressions in Bangladesh, or the brotherhood in Canada. In Mauritius, it becomes a celebration of nature’s renewal, and in South Africa, it strengthens relationships in the face of challenges. Holi’s global spread symbolizes positivity, cultural richness, and the victory of good over evil.
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