Colour & Comfort: Celebrating Holi in Kamloops

On March 29, Kamloops gathered at Riverside Park to celebrate The Rang De Basanti 2026 Holi Festival of Colours. Hosted by the Kamloops Indian Club, the event went beyond just its bright colours, showcasing Indian culture through food, music, and dance, with live DJs energizing the crowd. The Hindi phrase Rang De Basanti – meaning “paint it yellow” or “the colour of spring,” is a common theme for Holi events as it symbolizes the vibrant spirit of this celebration.

Holi, observed this year on March 4, is the Hindu festival of colour, love, and spring. Celebrated during the last full moon (Purnima) in the lunar month Phalguna – typically falling in March – it marks the arrival of spring and signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Holi is rooted in Indian mythology, and its spirit of joy, renewal, and colour is echoed in the story of Krishna and Radha. Krishna, self-conscious about his blue skin, worried Radha might be uncomfortable with his appearance. His mother playfully suggested he smear colour on Radha’s face, inspiring Holi’s tradition of celebrating with colour as a motif of love and devotion. The powder used today is called gulal, which is a vibrant, biodegradable and non-toxic cornstarch-based powder coloured with food-grade dyes.

High school senior Saanjh Sharma and Vasu Khurana, working with event sponsor Wireless Centre, shared what celebrating Holi in Kamloops means to them, highlighting the importance of cultural events that foster community and connection away from home. Learn more about the festivities in the video above, and maybe you’ll be inspired to join the celebration next year!