UTTARAKHAND WELFARE ASSOCIATION OF UNITED KINGDOM CELEBRATED HOLI WITH FULL VIGOUR AND VITALITY

Every year the “Holi” event is organised by Uttarakhand Welfare Association of the United Kingdom (UWAUK) in the United Kingdom. This year “Holi” falls on Wednesday, March 8th but the celebration was organised on Saturday, March 4th to enable maximum members from the Uttarakhand community in the UK to come together and celebrate the Holi festival.
More than 150+ Uttarakhandi gathered at Blueroom Venue in Harrow (London).
Right from the onset, the atmosphere was filled with the spirit of friendship, goodwill, joy, and happiness.

The venue was filled with vibrant colors reflected by the traditional pahadi attire.
The members were welcomed with “Pithai ” and served with “Gujiya ” and “Chai ” symbolizing the color, joy, and sweetness of this festival.
The event started with the traditional “Ganesh” pooja followed by welcoming the new members to the Uttarakhandi Parivar group.
Many performances themed on “Holi” with pahadi touch were performed by young and adult members.
The highlight was the drama on the legend of “Holi”, the story of Prahlad, Holika and Hiranyakashipu.
The drama was informative, impactful and entertaining.

The members were drawn to the dance floor by the electrifying performance by UK born pahadi DJ, playing a mix of Holi themed Garhwali, Kumaoni dance songs infusing pahadi nostalgia in the atmosphere supported by Bollywood dance songs.

As with any festival, food is central to the occasion which was prepared by our own pahadi chef reflecting the traditional flavour.

Playing “Holi” with colors was done outside in the open. Even though the day’s temperature was low, the atmosphere was filled with high fervour and zest. Members were smearing and throwing vibrant coloured powder “gulal” at one another.

Soon the ground and air turned into a sea of colour reflecting the colors of life.

As it is said, “Holi” celebration is not complete without a touch of traditional folklore.
Traditional “Khadi Holi” was played where people formed a group and danced to the tunes of hurka and dhol.

The “Holi” was celebrated with the same passion and gaiety in the United Kingdom as back in Uttarakhand.

All the members took a precious memory to be cherished for long and shared with friends, relatives and families back in India.