A primary school was a "riot of colour" as it celebrated a Hindu festival last week. Whitefield Community Primary School celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colours on Friday, March 14. The school was "filled with creativity" throughout the day, with children taking part in art, cooking, music, and dance activities, all designed to immerse them in the spirit of the festival. Celebrations culminated in a "vibrant colour run" on the playground, where teachers showered children with bursts of colourful powder, creating a "dazzling" display.
Excited pupils declared it "the best event of their life", and one child said: "The school is so colourful, even a rainbow would be jealous." Teaching staff were also enthusiastic, with many saying they would "love to end every Friday with a colour run" as it was such a "fun and uplifting" way to connect with the children and celebrate together. Each year, Whitefield Community Primary dedicates a day to celebrating a different religion.
Head of school Katya Dearing praised the event, saying: "This was a fantastic celebration of our curriculum and community, thoughtfully planned by our RE leader, Emma Steele." Kelly Macadam, CEO of The Collective Community Trust, described the event as a "fantastic celebration". She shared how much she enjoyed her visit, highlighting the welcome and enthusiasm of both staff and pupils.
Meanwhile, celebrations at Panjab University took a different turn. Following Holi celebration videos from March 14, which showed outsiders jumping over the wall through gaps in the barbed wire near Panjab University’s Gate Number 2 to enter the campus, the university is considering increasing the height of the boundary wall to a uniform seven feet. The university also plans to add two to three feet of barbed wire for security purposes.
The university security chief, Vikram Singh, stated that they have reviewed videos of the incidents and submitted a proposal to the construction branch of Panjab University. Singh expressed hope that the project to reinforce the wall would be completed by next year’s Holi. However, he noted that no action has been initiated against the individuals who trespassed during the festivities.
In stark contrast to these jubilant celebrations, a violent incident occurred in Nekkiladi, Puttur taluk, where a group of migrant workers from Bihar were allegedly attacked during Holi celebrations. Approximately 40 workers who had been celebrating at a residence found themselves in a dispute when they applied colour to two local boys from a different community. A group of locals stormed their residence, resulting in a chaotic scene where some workers fled and went missing.
Local police reported no formal complaints regarding the incident yet. Sub-Inspector Avinash observed that while reports indicated some workers had been consuming alcohol and instigated the fight, they did not take action against those who trespassed into the workers' gathering.
As festivities continued, Indore rang in its unique version of Holi. The 'Ger' tradition will be celebrated on March 19, 2025, attracting tourists and locals alike. This event, taking place five days after Holi, embodies the spirit of spring and the victory of good over evil, similar to Holi.
The grand 'Ger' procession will cover a 3-kilometre route in Indore, showcasing a vibrant mix of colours, music, and culture. Online bookings for rooftop viewing spots have already seen over 360 reservations made. This celebration is a testament to Indore’s rich cultural heritage and tradition.
Organizers believe that the unique style of celebration has positioned Indore as a key destination for tourism, as it showcases the local traditions watered by centuries of cultural richness. As myriad tourists flock to witness the vibrant scenes, locals come together to celebrate a deeply rooted joyous occasion.
