Large-scale Holi festival set for Guildhall Square
Southampton is set to host its first large-scale Holi celebration.
The Hampshire Indian Community (HIC) is organising the event, dubbed Holi Hungama, at Guildhall Square on Sunday, March 9.
The festival, which will run from 12pm to 5pm, promises to be a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of music, dance, cultural performances, food, and the traditional colour play.
Holi, the Indian festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring and symbolises unity, love, and the victory of good over evil.
The event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, celebrating Southampton's diversity and promoting inclusivity.
Holi Hungama will feature Bollywood dance performances, a live DJ set by DJ Mav, food stalls serving Indian delicacies, children's rides and activities, and optional colour play with herbal, gluten-free colours available for purchase.
The HIC, a group dedicated to cultural and social initiatives, has been organising events across Hampshire for the past three years.
The group has more than 3,000 members on social media and has collaborated with Southampton and Eastleigh Council, the NHS, and other organisations to promote cultural awareness and community well-being.
Anjali Mavi, co-founder of the HIC, said: "Our dedicated Holi team—including myself, Renu, Seema, and Paran—is working hard to ensure a spectacular and well-organised celebration.
"We are focused on every aspect of the event, from vibrant decorations, food, and music to engaging activities for children, all while prioritising health and safety."
The event has already seen overwhelming interest, with more than 1,100 registrations on Eventbrite and an expected turnout of more than 2,000 attendees.
GO! Southampton, Southampton City Council, and various local businesses and community groups are supporting Holi Hungama.
Stephen Manion, executive director at GO! Southampton, said: "We are very excited that this joyous and very colourful celebration of spring will be in the city centre for the first time.
"GO! encourages and supports new and growing events such as the Holi, which reflect Southampton's diverse communities and wonderful cultures."
The HIC extends its gratitude to GO! Southampton, the city's Business Improvement District (BID), for their support and funding, which has helped bring this event to life.
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