While Holi celebrations frequently include dancing and playful movement, consider making these activities more thoughtful and intentional
Holi is a festival that breaks down barriers and celebrates unity in diversity
As we emerge from the grips of winter, Holi, the festival of colours, ushers in spring and a renewed sense of excitement and celebration. While the traditional celebrations of water balloons and colourful powders are deeply embedded in this ancient Hindu festival, there is an opportunity to approach Holi with a conscious spirit, honouring its deeper symbolic significance while boosting personal growth, community connection, and commitment to the environment.
Dr Chandni Tugnait is M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director, Gateway of Healing shares few practices for celebrating Holi mindfully:
- Cultivate self-expressionHoli offers a vivid canvas for personal expression and creative inquiry. Consider arranging an art workshop or a group project in which participants can express their artistic talents by utilizing the festival’s vibrant colors. This practice not only builds a stronger connection with the spirit of Holi but it also promotes self-discovery, emotional release, and a sense of community via shared creative expression.
- Explore the symbolic significance of colorsEach color used during Holi has its own symbolic meaning, reflecting many aspects of life, energy, and spiritual development. Take the time to explore and grasp the deeper meanings of colors like red (love and passion), blue (truth and spirituality), and yellow (knowledge and wisdom). As you immerse yourself in the bright celebration, actively engage with the symbolic meanings, allowing them to influence your intentions and enrich your festival experience.
- Incorporate thoughtful movementWhile Holi celebrations frequently include dancing and playful movement, consider making these activities more thoughtful and intentional. Organize a guided movement or dance session to help everyone connect with their breath, bodies, and the present moment. This exercise not only adds to the excitement and vibrancy of the festivities but also promotes mind-body awareness, which reduces stress and instils a sense of inner peace.
- Create a gratitude ritualIt’s easy to lose sight of the goodness and abundance in our lives. To address this, try developing a gratitude ritual in which everyone can focus on and express thanks for the people, experiences, and opportunities that enhance their lives. This practice can take the shape of a group sharing circle, a gratitude diary, or even a colorful gratitude wall where people can write or paint about their experiences, building a communal sense of thankfulness and happiness.
- Encourage inclusive celebrationHoli is a festival that breaks down barriers and celebrates unity in diversity. As you plan your celebrations, make an effort to create an inclusive and friendly environment for people of different ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and abilities. This could include making accommodations for people with special needs, providing events and information in many languages, or simply creating an environment of acceptance and respect for all participants.
By incorporating these practices into your Holi festivities, you can strengthen the festival’s connection to personal growth, cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and community building, ensuring that the bright spirit of Holi lives on long after the last color fades.
