The Indian diaspora has permeated a stunning majority of the world’s colonies. The Hindu festival of Holi brings pomp and grandeur, boundless fun and laughter to many faces across the globe. Here are some instances of Holi’s aura in other countries.
South Africa:
South Africa has a number of Indian migrants and non-residents, Gujarati folk and people from other regions in India. Their portrayal of Holi, celebrating the triumph of good against evil, heartens the citizens and brings a smile to their faces. The Indians here are originally from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat or others, they maintain their honour for the festival with unique distinctions to their regional respects. With almost one million of the South African population comprising of Indians, the spirit of Holi is widespread and regarded as a means to bring together communities by having fun and to resolve conflicts with good nature.
Mauritius:
The beautiful tropical country of Mauritius holds an enthusiastic populace, 63% of which are Indians. Marking the onset of spring, Holi shows nature dressed in its best, while flowers and fields flourish exuberantly. Playing with colours, enjoying traditional sweets, the people enjoy it as a national holiday, using pichkoris to launch jets of coloured water at each other. They all revel in the merriment and exhilaration.
Trinidad and Tobago:
Just as the Caribbean was historically mistaken as India, one wouldn’t go amiss to do the same if the Holi festivities were witnessed there today. In particular, Trinidad and Tobago, the twin islands whose first instances of Indian presence was in 1845, when Bihari migrants were employed to maintain sugarcane fields. Initially, Hindus celebrated it rather quietly due to the numerous outdated limitations. Today though, it is accepted on a national level with all participants celebrating with pomp and élan. It’s full of lively dances, customary songs, colours, and more. The freeing feeling of engaging in friendly shenanigans and cultural sharing encourages togetherness.
United Kingdom:
Indians constitute the second highest minority of foreign origin in the United Kingdom. Zealous celebrations with marked reach are seen throughout the country during Holi as they celebrate their culture in large congregations. The people wear tilak and offer sweets as children roam freely with spray cans to colour their loved ones. The English people too do not hesitate to partake in the fun as they enjoy the sweets and face colouring.
United States of America:
In the US, a vast Indian presence augments the scale of celebration of a much loved festival, Holi. Various association of Indian origin residents host fashion shows, music festivals, dance programmes, and sweets distribution to ring in the colourful splendour of this splendid festival. The Americans readily take part, enjoying the delicious desi treats and decor, along with the colour battles and stories. The wide scale shows attract monumental crowds with their incredible organisation and array of available entertainment.
It can be seen that India and in particular, Holi, has a superb global presence and it is heartening to see that our foreign friends are gladly a part of our festivals with equal support and happiness.
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