The event marks spring and the victory of good over evil, with a celebration taking place in the Stroud Arena car park on June 1st.
Holi is a joyous celebration that celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Holi Langotsav, also known as the Festival of Colors, a Hindu festival known for its rich colors, festive spirit and joyous atmosphere, will be held on June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Strode Innisfil Community Centre Arena (7883 Yonge St.) in Innisfil.
“The 2024 Holi Langotsav celebration is more than just a festival – it's an opportunity to bond together as a community and celebrate the beauty of our diversity,” said Loki Swain, president of the Innisfil Indian Association, which organizes the event. “Whether you're a long-time Holi enthusiast or experiencing it for the first time, this event will be a colorful and joyous occasion for everyone.”
It's a family-friendly outdoor event where attendees can enjoy a wide variety of music from DJ Vishal, suitable for all ages.
“From traditional Indian beats to contemporary tracks, the music will reflect the diverse cultures of the Holi festival. The dynamic rhythms will get everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating together,” Swain said.
The band Masala Mayhem will also be performing, along with traditional and contemporary dance performances by God's Dance Crack (with a special surprise in store for the audience), Kalika the Verse of Dance and DWA Bolly Bhangra Dance Academy (a renowned dance troupe from Toronto).
There will also be food and craft stalls and a kids' zone, and the ticket price includes unlimited uses of “gulal,” a dry pigment that is celebratory scattered at the event.
“It is the most important element of Holi and brings vibrancy and joy to our celebrations,” Swain explained. “We ensure that the gulal provided is of the highest quality, environmentally friendly and safe for all skin types.”
The event will be hosted by Angela Aujla and Sudeshna Sahu, who Swain says epitomize creativity and organizational skills.
“Aujla is a South Asian-Canadian visual artist whose mixed-media narrative works delve into the complexities of history, memory, culture and identity. One of her notable exhibitions is 'My Grandmother's Dresses,' which features archival ephemera, family photographs and material culture to unsettle colonial narratives and shed light on early Punjabi women who migrated to Canada,” he said. “She is also currently the director of the McLaren Art Centre. Her aesthetics and understanding of visual narratives add a vibrant dimension to the event.”
Sahu's “leadership as vice president of the association ensured smooth coordination and flawless execution of the event, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories. Together, they have planned a celebration that not only honours Holi traditions but also pushes the boundaries of creativity, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.”
Holi is traditionally celebrated in early spring, but the association has decided to wait to celebrate it until the weather gets warmer. The association wants to make Holi Langotsav an annual event in the town.
“Hosting the event in June provides an opportunity to extend the cultural celebration beyond its traditional period and encourages engagement and participation from the wider community,” Mr Swain said.
He told Innisfil Today the event was made possible thanks to several sponsors, including Innisfil Creek Honey.
“Supporting local means many things,” says Blaine Scott of Innisfil Creek. “Enjoying our diverse local cultural celebrations is part of what makes Canada a great place to live.”
Admission is $10 for children under 12 and $15 for anyone over 12. Tickets can be purchased here.
More details about the event will be posted on the association's Facebook page in the coming days.
