Celebrate the Festival of Colors in Metro Vancouver with delicious food, music and fun.
In less than a week, the streets of India will be filled with bright colors to celebrate the arrival of spring with the traditional Hindu festival of Holi.
It’s a wild, happy occasion. People throng the streets, playing dhol (drums), dancing to every beat, smearing colored powder on each other and splashing colored water on passers-by.
According to Hindu mythology, this two-day festival is also a celebration of Lord Vishnu’s victory over King Hiranyakashyapu.
This year, Holi (also known as the Festival of Colours), celebrated by millions around the world – especially people of Indian and Nepalese descent – falls on March 8th, symbolizing the arrival of spring after a long winter and celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
However, those in the Lower Mainland who feel a tinge of homesickness during this festival need not fret as Burnaby hosts its Holi party this weekend, giving people from different cultures a chance to immerse themselves in this vibrant festival of colors and to celebrate great time.
The Student Society of Simon Fraser University (SFU) is hosting their first Holi event in five years in partnership with the Indian Student Federation (ISF) and Aftershock Roadshow, a collective of Vancouver DJs, and they’re promising a bang.
The Holi Bash Bura Na Mano Holi Hai 2023 event is family-friendly and encourages guests of all ages and backgrounds to have a happy time.
It’s an event close to the heart of Vaibhav Arora, organizer and Vice President of Student Union Events. He prides himself on bringing a sense of home to Burnaby – with all the cultural aspects, from colors to traditional dhol players to Indian food trucks and music.
Ticket prices vary depending on the tier purchased, but with each ticket guests will receive a pack of biodegradable, non-toxic powdered paint to start their feast of colour. Additional bags can be purchased on site.
The paints, he said, are made from cornstarch and sourced from grocery chain Verka (produced locally) and Amazon, and are considered safe for most people. No exterior colors are allowed and no alcohol will be served on site.
Despite the university’s initial hesitance to bring the event back, Arora said “it’s a moment of pride” for him to help bring back one of Indian culture’s most vibrant festivals.
It’s an outdoor event, rain or shine, and heaters will be installed to keep guests warm. Participants are advised to wear clothing that can get stained – light colors or white are recommended.
SFSS Holi Bash: The Festival of Colors
When: Sunday, March 5; 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
Where: North Car Park (SFU Burnaby), 8888 University Dr, Burnaby
Cost: $18.44 to $34.19; Tickets can be bought here
Other Holi Events in Metro Vancouver to check out if you missed Holi Celebrations at SFU Hindu Temple Burnaby
When: Sunday, March 12; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m
Where: Burnaby Hindu Temple (5420 Marine Dr.)
UBC Holi 2023
When: Saturday, March 11; 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Where: Parking lot B4 (6359 Agronomy Rd, Vancouver)
Cost: $42.15; Tickets can be bought here
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Temple
When: Sunday, March 5; 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Where: Shanti Niketan Hall, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, (8321-140 St, Surrey)
Cost: Free, but call 778-892-5007 to confirm your attendance
Rank Bare Holi event
When: Saturday, March 18; from 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Where: Dhaliwal Banquet Hall (8166 128 St. #230, Surrey)
Cost: $35, free for children under five; Information and tickets can be found on the website
