The month of Spring is here and so is the month to celebrate Holi—the festival of colors, joy, and togetherness. As an international student, celebrating it far from home brings a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement. It becomes more than just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt opportunity to reconnect with one’s culture, share traditions with new friends, and recreate the warmth of home in a foreign land. Growing up in India, Holi was always a time filled with family, friends, and vibrant festivities. The anticipation would build for days—buying colors, planning get-togethers, and preparing beloved treats like gujiya and thandai. In contrast, celebrating Holi abroad means finding creative ways to keep those traditions alive, often on a smaller scale, but with no less joy or meaning.
At university, Holi takes on a different yet equally beautiful form. As a member of the Association of Indian Graduate Students at Queen’s (AIGSQ), I had the opportunity to help organize our third annual Holi potluck party—a tradition we began two years ago. It has become one of the most anticipated events of the year, not just for us, but also for many of our non-Indian friends who eagerly join in the festivities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of celebrating Holi internationally is introducing it to friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. Many of them have heard of Holi, but few have experienced it firsthand. It’s heartwarming to see their enthusiasm as they play with colors, learn about the festival's cultural significance, and dance to upbeat Bollywood music. Over time, it has become a shared celebration that everyone looks forward to.
This year’s Holi potluck was a colorful blend of cultures and cuisines. People brought a variety of delicious dishes, including vegetable biryani, samosas, egg curry, pudding, and fried rice. The food was abundant—I couldn’t even try everything! We also played some of our favorite traditional games, like team-based movie guessing and sharing personal memories of Holi. To keep things eco-friendly, we used natural colors and playfully applied a little color on each other’s faces for fun.
Despite being thousands of miles away from India, the essence of Holi remains unchanged—a celebration of joy, unity, and renewal. Whether it’s in a cozy apartment, a bustling university hall, or a larger community event, Holi abroad becomes a bridge that connects people, cultures, and hearts.
For many international students, celebrating Holi is not just about playing with colors; it’s about carrying a piece of home within them, sharing that joy with others, and reminding the world that festivals are not bound by geography—they live in our memories, our traditions, and the connections we make along the way.
Happy Holi! May your life be as colorful and vibrant as this beautiful festival!