As we enter the month of March, we get ready to celebrate 2 important occasions - Holi and Women’s Day. Holi is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is widely celebrated in India and other parts of the world and is usually observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls between late February and early March. This year Holi falls on March 8th which is the same date as Women’s day. These two events celebrate the strength, resilience and creativity of women.
Holi is one of my favourite occasions since it’s known to be the festival of colours. People celebrate by throwing coloured powder at one another. No one is spared from the vibrant colours that fill the streets. The celebration brings people together and invites them to forget their differences. It’s a festival that encourages unity and love.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that women’s voices matter and that they have the power to shape the world around them. It’s a day that encourages us to stand up for gender equality and women’s rights. It celebrates the strength, resilience and creativity of women.
For Women, Holi holds special significance as it celebrates their creativity, resilience and strength. Traditionally many women would prepare sweets and snacks for all to enjoy. They would also participate in festive singing and dancing. Now more and more South Asian families share in these traditions together no matter the gender.
The coincidence of Holi and Women's Day is an opportunity to remind everyone that the festival should be celebrated in a spirit of respect and equality for all. It is a time to reflect on the values of love and unity that Holi represents and to ensure that these values are extended to all, regardless of gender.
The bright and vibrant colours of Holi each represent a unique aspect of feminine energy.
Pink represents our nurturing side, the caring and loving nature that we possess. It is the color of motherhood, of femininity, and of compassion.
Green symbolizes growth, fertility, and life. It is the color of hope, of renewal, and of new beginnings. It is the color of the natural world that surrounds us, reminding us of the power and beauty of nature.
Yellow is the color of joy, of laughter, and of happiness. It is the color of sunshine, of optimism, and of positivity. It reminds us of the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life.
Blue represents our calmness, our serenity, and our ability to stay grounded in the face of challenges. It is the color of the ocean, of the sky, and of the vastness of the universe. It reminds us of the importance of finding peace within ourselves.
Purple represents our creativity, our intuition, and our spirituality. It is the color of mystery, of magic, and of the unknown. It reminds us of the power of our imagination and our ability to create and manifest our dreams.
Red represents our passion, our strength, and our courage. It is the color of our determination, of our willpower, and of our ability to overcome obstacles. It reminds us of our inner fire and our ability to conquer anything we set our minds to.
As women, we are a beautiful blend of all these colors, each shade representing a unique part of who we are. Let us celebrate our diversity and embrace the colors that make us who we are. It is in our uniqueness that we find our true power and beauty.
Happy Women's Day and Happy Holi!
Malinda Chohan
