Celebrating More Than Color at Cate’s Holi Festival

By Eshaan Gupta '29

On March 21, the Cate community gathered on Kirby Quad to celebrate Holi, the Indian “Festival of Colors.” Organized by the Cate Desi Student Union (DSU), the event aimed to immerse the broader Cate community in South Asian cultural traditions. It brought students and staff together for an evening of vibrant festivities and cultural appreciation. DSU members played a key role in organizing the event, arranging traditional food such as samosas and mango lassi, and inviting student dancers to guide attendees through traditional Indian dances. Head of DSU, Pari Malik ‘27, said, “I really appreciated how many people came out. I love Holi, and it’s one of my favorite things we do.”

The celebration featured dancing, music, and the iconic throwing of colored powders, which filled the air and covered participants in bright hues. The event began with Dandiya, a Gujarati folk dance performed with polished wooden sticks. Laughter and excitement spread throughout the crowd as students eagerly joined in, learning the rhythms and movements together. Soon after, the color throwing began, with community members running through clouds of rainbow powder. Nonso Egbuonu ‘29 experienced this for the first time and described it as “an eye-opening experience for cultural awareness.”

Food, music, and interactive activities helped attendees learn more about the significance of Holi. The holiday has roots in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizing the triumph of devotion and good over evil, and it also commemorates the arrival of spring. Reflecting on the turnout and participation, Pari said, “I enjoyed seeing people fully appreciate it, especially when everyone joined in the dancing and color throwing. It felt like we were really celebrating life and welcoming new beginnings together.”

Overall, the event was a colorful success, not only because of its high attendance and energy but because it fostered genuine cultural understanding. By actively engaging with traditions rather than simply observing them, students formed a more meaningful connection to the holiday, leaving with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity on campus.