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Join the Holi Festival in Manila, March 20 at SM By The Bay

Credits to Marge Madrigal

The Holi Festival is one of the reasons why I'd love to visit India someday. I must admit I am taken away by the colors of paints spread out to the people who are part of it while enjoying every single second. To those who aren't familiar about this, in the Braj region of India, where the Hindu deity Krishna grew up, Holi festival is celebrated for 16 days in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. The festivities officially usher in spring, with Holi celebrated as a festival of love. I was actually wishing that maybe there is a local version of the Holi Festival in Manila where I can join. And... yes there is! Janina whom I met in one of many online marketing events I have attended told me about this. 

In the past I did joined a few Indian cultural events here in Manila. Two of the most memorable is eating lunch in the house of an Indian Catholic priest. It was one of the tastiest vegetarian food I have ever eaten and watching Indian cultural & Bollywood dance courtesy of a travel magazine. These are really few years ago so would love to be immersed with Indian culture again. I hope you guys join me!

Here is the official press release statement of the Holi Festival in Manila:


Credits to Richmond Chi
Immerse yourself in color, culture and celebration at Holi Festival 2016! Asia Society Philippines and SM by the Bay present the 4th annual Holi Festival in Manila on March 20, 2016 at the SM by the Bay Central Park.

Holi is an annual festival celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna – typically February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Holi ushers in the arrival of spring, and is considered the happiest and most colorful festival of the Hindus. People imitate the colors of spring by throwing colored powder at each other and up in the air. The throwing of gulal up in the air and at each other symbolizes friendship, unity, and a sense of revelry.

It is widely celebrated in India, Nepal and other places with a Hindu population. Recently, this festival has been popularized all over the world as a festival of love and colors.


Credits to Andressa Flores


Holi goers in Manila can look forward to a lively show featuring traditional Indian and Bollywood songs and dances and live drummers and DJ from 3:30-7:30PM. They can also enjoy the throwing of colored powder, games and prizes, and authentic Indian cuisine to fill their stomachs with. To remember the day, participants can have mehndi (henna) tattoos made or buy Indian wares from on-site sellers.

Holi finds its origins in many legends. One legend tells the story of Holika and her nephew Prahlada, who was devoted to the supreme being Vishnu. In a fire that both sat in, the evil Holika was burned alive while Prahlada was protected by a cloak that could not burn. Another myth tells the story of Krishna, whose blue skin made him too shy to approach the beautiful, fair-skinned Radha. After following his mother’s advice to paint Radha’s face with color, Krishna and Radha fell in love.


Read My 2016 Holi Festival of Colours Manila  Blog Review Here


Credits to Veejay Calutan


Thus, Holi does not just mark the beginning of spring. It celebrates color and laughter, the triumph of good over evil, and love and friendship. Holi is a time for merrymaking, and happiness, giving thanks, reconciling, putting away the past, turning over a new leaf and celebrating the new. So what are you waiting for? Come celebrate at a festival of colors like no other. Holi hai!

Holi Festival 2016 is co-organized with the Embassy of India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Indian Ladies Club, and SingIndia Music of the Soul. Holi Festival 2016 is sponsored by India Tourism, and supported by Air Asia and New India Assurance, with special thanks to Ambica, Jockey, Oakley, Speedo, RK Manufacturing and WiPro.  ANC, ClicktheCity.com, CNN Philippines, Coconuts Manila, Interaksyon.com, Manila Bulletin, Scout Magazine, Travelife, and WheninManila.com are media partners for the event.


Read My 2016 Holi Festival of Colours Manila  Blog Review Here

Tickets are now pre-selling for PhP 150 and will be sold for PhP 200 on-site. They are available at all SM Tickets outlets (call 477-2222).  For tickets, inquiries, and volunteer opportunities, contact Asia Society Philippines at info@asiasociety.org.ph.  To those joining and posting pictures, the official hashtag is#HoliMNL2016

About Asia Society:
Asia Society Philippines aims to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and bridge differences across the Philippines, Asia and the United States. We develop cross-sector programs that bring together individuals, companies, policymakers and other non-profits to promote collaboration and understanding of Asia across the fields of policy, business leadership, education and arts and culture. 

Asia Society is currently looking for volunteers to man the registration booths et cetera.  If you want to be part of this, you may click here. There is also a contest where 3 winners will will 2 tickets. You just need to tell why you want to go to Holi Festival of Colors in Manila 2016. Check here the full details.   


Read My 2016 Holi Festival of Colours Manila  Blog Review Here

6 comments

  1. I always wanted to attend. I'll make sure to attend this year. :)

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  2. wow cool :) cge hindi ko rin to talaga alam hehe now lang :)

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  3. Whoa! Talagang lumalakas na ang impluwensya ng Indian culture sa bansa natin ah. This is not surprising since many Indians migrated here. Ang dami ko nang nakikitang mga stores na nagtitinda ng Indian food.

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  4. oo nga eh. sana mabuti ang panahon sa mar 20 para lahat ay mag enjoy :)

    ReplyDelete