What is Holi? Holi is a Hindu festival that lasts two days.
It is a spring time festival originally celebrated in Northern India, but now celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
It is also known as the festival of colour and it welcomes spring. It is most known for its colored powder runs (which happen on the second day of Holi) – where people gather and have a super fun filled colored water/ colored powder fight! Holi celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time for forgiveness, friendship and family. The evening before the color run is known as Holika Dahan – the end of winter. This is celebrated with a bonfire – symbolic for the burning of the demoness Holika – symbolising good wining over bad.
At Best Start Taita we enjoy celebrating and learning about all cultures, this supports tamariki learning about the wider world and what is important in other cultures. When tamariki experience Holi, they: Learning about a different culture and tradition help develop respect and appreciation for diversity and build understanding of multicultural communities.
Promotes Inclusion and Belonging: Participating in Holi activities (throwing colours, music, dancing) helps tamariki: Feel included in shared celebrations, Connect with peers from different backgrounds, Strengthen community bonds It Also encourages creativity and sensory play, the bright coloured powders used in Holi stimulate. Sensory exploration (colour, texture, movement), Creative expression through art and play, Curiosity and imagination Builds Joy and Emotional Wellbeing, Holi is about happiness, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Holi also connects to stories and traditions, such as the legend of Prahlada and Holika, which help tamariki learn values like: Good overcoming evil Courage and faith Kindness and forgiveness