The Hindu festival of Holi will be celebrated around the world March 21, and residents of Rocky View County can take part in the festivities during a Holi event at New Horizon Mall March 23 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. According to organizer Deepak Mahna – co-owner of Ganpati Fashion Hub at New Horizon Mall – Holi is a spring festival that originated in the Indian subcontinent. While the festival is primarily celebrated in India and Nepal, he said, it has spread throughout Asia and the western world. Holi is known as the “festival of colours” or the “festival of love,” Manha said. According to holifestival.org, the annual event “teaches humankind to transcend above caste and creed. It is a festival to forget old grievances and meet others with great warmth and high spirit.” Traditionally, Holi involves a colour throw using coloured powder, with the colours symbolizing love. “It’s for us to spread love to everybody,” Mahna said. “The main significance of this festival is, even if you have an enemy, if they come with the colours and put it on you, then you won’t be angry and you will become friends.” Growing up in India, Manha said his family appreciated multiculturalism and celebrated religious festivals from traditions other than Hinduism, such as Christmas and Muslim Eids. Upon emigrating to Canada, Manha recognized that same multiculturalism, and decided he wanted to share his traditions and culture with his neighbours. The Canadian weather proved to be a significant – but not insurmountable – challenge, he added. “Because it’s so cold, nobody can play outside,” he said. “In India, usually people play with the colours on the street.” Mahna received special permission from New Horizon Mall – which is partnering with Mahna to host the event – to hold the colour throw in one of the heated underground parking lots, where participants will dance and play with coloured powder while a DJ plays music. “We believe we offer something unique…and we want to be a destination – not just for shopping, but for entertainment and community events,” said Alexandra Winn, New Horizon Mall’s marketing manager. “We really believe that’s the formula to our success.” While other Holi events will take place in Calgary this year, Mahna said a participation fee is typically charged. To ensure the event at New Horizon Mall was accessible to everyone, Mahna said, he decided to keep it free. The event will also feature performances of Bollywood dancing, belly dancing and Indian singing, he added, along with plenty of food options.
