Holi, the Festival of Colours, welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Many families light bonfires the night before (Holika Dahan), then celebrate with coloured powders, water, music, and sweets like gujiya while visiting friends and neighbours.
One of our staff members, who moved to Canada from India, shared this story:
“Back home, Holi meant waking up to the smell of gujiya frying in the kitchen, my grandmother reminding us not to waste water, and cousins chasing each other with buckets of colour.
In Canada, my first Holi was different. It was cold, there were no cousins, and I didn’t think anyone would notice the day. I was about to head out to a nearby temple, just to be among my community and hoping it would make me miss home a little less.
As soon as I stepped out towards the transit station, my neighbour greeted me with a big smile and said, ‘Happy Holi!’ He was a European man, with his kids playing with water guns in the backyard. He told me he’d read about Holi and asked if I could explain the festival because he wanted his daughters to learn about our culture – and other cultures too.
What started as a quick conversation turned into an invitation: ‘We were just about to play with the kids – would you show us how you celebrate?’ I ended up in their backyard, teaching them how we gently put colour on each other’s faces, talking about why we celebrate, and sharing memories of Holi back home. The girls mixed coloured chalk with water and proudly announced that their yard was now a ‘mini India.’
By the time I finally left for the temple, my jacket had pink and yellow stains, the kids were shouting ‘Happy Holi!’ in their best accents, and my heart felt a little less heavy. That afternoon didn’t erase the reality of racism or exclusion in the world, but it reminded me that curiosity, respect, and willingness to learn can open real doors.
That stained jacket still reminds me that belonging can start with one neighbour who chooses to see you as a friend, not a stranger.”
At ISSofBC, we know cultural celebrations like Holi are more than holidays — they are moments of belonging, understanding, and connection for newcomers building a life in Canada. Today, we honour the communities who keep these traditions alive and the colleagues, neighbours, and employers who join in with openness and respect.
Wishing everyone a joyful, colourful, and safe Holi! 🌸
#HappyHoli #FestivalOfColours #ISSofBC #Newcomers #CulturalDiversity #Inclusion
