On Friday March 14th, the Trinity Indian society did their annual front square take over to celebrate the festival of colours, Holi. This vibrant and joyous festival has a deep rooted history that spans hindu mythology, culture and tradition. It marks the arrival of spring and symbolises renewal, love and the victory of good over evil.
Students gathered in the front square, majority of them dressed in white to get drenched in a kaleidoscope of colors. The Indian Society ensured that everyone could fully embrace the spirit of Holi by giving out white t-shirts for participants to wear, making the event even more immersive. They had also gone all out by ordering a staggering 200 kgs of colored powder, ensuring there was more than enough to turn the square into a riot of hues.
“As it’s the festival of colors, we’ve made sure there’s plenty of color involved, along with great music—we have two DJs lined up today!” shared Zoya who is the Public Relations officer for the Society. She added “In India, we’d usually have water balloons and pichkaris (water cannons), but while we aren’t doing that here, it looks like the rain might take care of that for us!”
Surprisingly, the rain did not bless us with its presence but that did not dampen the enthusiasm. Instead, the skies were filled with colorful clouds of gulal (colored powder), as students eagerly smeared color on each other. The atmosphere was infectious—laughter, music, and cries of joy echoed through the square, making it a riot of color and happiness. Friends and strangers alike joined in, painting each other’s faces with bright shades of pink, blue, and yellow—a true symbol of Holi’s essence, where all social barriers dissolve in a splash of color.
DJ Galdi and Bollywood Jammers took over the decks, filling the air with an electrifying mix of Bollywood beats, Bhangra rhythms, and electronic dance music. From classic Bollywood anthems that had everyone singing along to high-energy EDM drops that made the crowd go wild, the music kept the energy levels soaring. Whether it was choreographed Bollywood moves by the Indian society committee members, spontaneous dance circles, or just free-spirited jumping and twirling, the crowd danced non-stop for an incredible four hours. The ground turned into a multicoloured canvas with swirls of pink, blue and yellow blending together to signify the chaos and joy of Holi.
Many lucky tourists who are in the city for St. Patrick’s Day witnessed an unexpected surprise as they entered through the front gates of Trinity and were stopped from their track, drawn by the explosion of colours, the music and the infectious energy of the crowd. Some began taking photographs and videos, eager to capture the one of a kind spectacle before them. Others, enchanted by the festival’s irresistible magic, asked to be allowed to join the fun. While the event was reserved exclusively for ticket holders, the spirit of Holi is one of sharing and inclusivity. Although tourists were not allowed to formally participate, many students and organizers happily shared handfuls of colored powder with them, letting them experience a piece of the festival.
While the colors, music, and energy of the event successfully captured the spirit of Holi, something essential was missing—food. Traditionally, Holi is as much about festive treats as it is about colors. Across India, the festival is marked by the sharing of sweets and snacks, with classic delicacies like gujiya (sweet dumplings filled with nuts and dried fruits) and thandai (a spiced milk drink infused with saffron, cardamom, and almonds) playing a key role in the celebrations. However, despite Holi being a festival of indulgence and togetherness, the Indian Society did not arrange any food or snacks for the event—an omission that left many attendees disappointed.
Yet, the spirit of Holi, breaking down social barriers and fostering unity,remained strong throughout the celebration. Friends, classmates, and even the curious onlookers watching from outside the square were touched by the festival’s warmth and inclusivity. Though food was missing, the shared experience of colors, music, and joy brought people together, reinforcing Holi’s essence as a festival of community and connection.
For many international students, the event was a heartfelt connection to home, allowing them to relive cherished traditions despite being thousands of miles away. For others, it was an exciting introduction to Indian culture, offering an immersive experience that transcended language and background. Whether it was their first Holi or one of many, everyone left covered in color, music ringing in their ears, and memories of a festival that truly embodied unity, joy, and celebration.
